Tag: Family

Digging in Deeper: 1 Corinthians 12:18

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“But as it is, God has arranged each one of the parts in the body just as he wanted.” (CSB – Read the chapter)

Have you ever felt like you didn’t fit in somewhere? Unless you just have one of those exceedingly extroverted personalities where as long as you’re around people, you’re pretty comfortable, you probably have (and even someone like that might feel out of place if they went to a conference of introverts…which I know is a bit of an oxymoron, but I’m trying here). Maybe it was your first day at a new school or a new job. It could have been a party where you weren’t really invited, but you went as some else’s guest. IT could have been the first time you walked in the door of a new church. Wherever it was, you probably know that awkward, uncomfortable, I-want-to-be-anywhere-other-than here feeling. Let me change up the question on you just a bit: Have you ever felt like you didn’t fit in with your own family. Perhaps your family is really close and that’s wonderful. But it may be that you went through a season at one point during which you were just a bit – or a lot – different from everyone else in your family. That’s no easy path to walk. And still, if you’re connected to a local church, feeling out of place there can be equally as difficult. A recent animated film from Disney does a wonderful job exploring this whole idea of what it means to be a part of a family even when we don’t quite look the same as the rest of its members. This morning let’s talk about being connected and Disney’s Encanto.

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Morning Musing: Matthew 1:17

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“So all the generations from Abraham to David were fourteen generations; and from David until the exile to Babylon, fourteen generations; and from the exile to Babylon until the Messiah, fourteen generations.” (CSB – Read the chapter)

Throughout human history there have been two questions that have had more to do with the kinds of opportunities a person would be given in life than anything else. These two questions could open doors to new careers, exciting adventures, and a lifetime of relative ease. They could also close them just as quickly. Various stories have been written featuring people heroically rising up and achieving great things in spite of having the wrong answers to these two questions. But those stories tend to be just that: stories. The way the world actually works is generally right in line with how it has always worked. And how it has always worked is that your life will be governed by the answers to these questions. Even in this nation which has long been known as “the land of opportunity” they nonetheless still hold powerful sway. They function as a way of keeping order in an otherwise unruly society. And if that order tends to be unjust, well, at least it is better than disorder. What these questions are and what they have to do with the Advent season is what I’d like to talk about with you this morning.

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Digging in Deeper: Psalm 119:11

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“I have treasured your word in my heart so that I may not sin against you.” (CSB – Read the chapter)

There is no such thing as a biblical family. Do I have your attention now? I didn’t say that just to get a rise out of you and get you to tune in with me. Think about it. If you would claim to want to model your family after the biblical family, exactly which one do you want to have as your guide? They’re all a wreck. Every single one of them. That being said, a family that works to live and operate by the principles of the Scriptures is going to have better outcomes than one that doesn’t. This works even if the details of the family aren’t what we might expect. Let me point to an example from a recent sitcom. Here’s why you should give Mixed-ish a chance.

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Morning Musing: Mark 3:33-35

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“He replied to them, ‘Who are my mother and my brothers?’ Looking at those sitting in a circle around him, he said, ‘Here are my mother and my brothers! Whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother.'” (CSB – Read the chapter)

Jesus’ family thought He was nuts. They wanted nothing more than to take Him home, lock Him in a closet, and leave Him there until He finally decided to stop being crazy. So, what did Jesus say when He was told they had come for Him? He claimed an even bigger family and redefined His kingdom message in entirely more personal terms than anyone had ever considered. Let’s talk about it.

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Morning Musing: Mark 3:20-21

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“Jesus entered a house, and the crowd gathered again so that they were not even able to eat. When his family heard this, they set out to restrain him, because they said, ‘He’s out of his mind.’”‬ ‭(CSB‬‬ – Read the chapter)

Doing something new and different can be tough. It’s hard to find support. No one is really sure if it will succeed, and they don’t want to throw much of an investment of time, talent, or treasure behind a bet that just isn’t very sure. When we go to enter this kind of territory, it is good to know that we at least have a home base of support somewhere. This can often come by way of loving parents. I’ve always had this. Perhaps you have too. You know who didn’t? Jesus.

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