Mar 19

Being a member of God's family is to have higher priority for us than being a member of any other family -- yes, even our own. This demand of God is the source of disunity among families who do not want God as the first priority in their lives; it is a sword that can divide families. Jesus' words are harsh to the ears of such families:

"Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me" (Matt. 10:37).

How can Jesus say this? Isn't that arrogant of someone to lay claim to a person's loyalty and love to that extent? Only if that person is a mere human being who has no right to make such extreme demands.

But though he is human, Jesus is not merely human: He is also God -- and God does have the right to supreme loyalty and love from every human being. The Supreme Being has supreme place in reality and the right to require that our supreme affection be for him. That is what it means to be God. There is nothing higher, nothing more to be desired than He is.

So, no, it is not arrogant for Jesus to demand such devotion to him. It would be so if he were only a man, but he is man and God -- a miracle that escapes our full understanding but whose reality enables us to give up even our own family because we find the deepest love in Him. That is the power of God's love, and if we give it a chance, it will heal what it has divided. Our families can be united in Christ, even as they can be divided because of Him.

Scripture for today: Matt. 10:32-42
Thought for today: I do not lose by putting God first, over my family; I gain.And he can reunite what has been torn apart.
Prayer for today: Lord, whether it is my own family here on earth or that of another whom I care about, please help me be an instrument of yours to bring peace to these families I now mention to you. In your name, Amen.

MAR 19