Family of God

 “Then to Him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, That all peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion, Which shall not pass away, And His kingdom the one Which shall not be destroyed.” Daniel 7:14

“Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their stripes. And immediately he and all his family were baptized. Now when he had brought them into his house, he set food before them; and he rejoiced, having believed in God with all his household.” Acts 16:32-34

“After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands,” Revelation 7:9

This week’s reading brought thoughts of family to my mind.  We all have families, and most of us want to be around those families during the holidays.  Many of our fond memories link themselves to family members (such as Mammaw’s cranberry sauce, or Uncle Frank’s rendition of “Silent Night.”)  For those of us away from family during the holidays, we seek our extended family of friends and neighbors to enjoy the season with. 

With these thoughts in mind, I read a piece called “Marriage and Racism” by Andy Snider, in it a KY church voted to disallow interracial couples from joining its flock.  This reminded me of the international family of believers we have.  The church referenced decided that someone from another race could not marry and join their church.  These guys will have a major awakening when they reach the pearly gates of heaven and see that it is a gathering of all nations.  As you can see from Daniel & Revelations above, both New and Old Testaments prophesy of the great kingdom of Jesus reaching the ends of the earth.

I invite you to focus some of your prayers and thoughts to our international family of Christians.  Many face hardships and trials in life (like us) and many endure persecution for believing and sharing Christ.  However these hardships do not discourage them or missionaries from spreading the gospel, to the billions around the world who do not know Jesus.  Reflecting on the great gathering in heaven, praise God for the work he is doing both here and around the world.  Pray how you can help advance the Great Commission of Acts 1:8.  Give towards the Lottie Moon Offering, and work for the gospel here.