THE STORY OF JESUS: Luke 11:27-32
“Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.” (Luke 11:28)
There are definite advantages to be related by blood… to be kin.
People tend to care for, and bless their own, most of all.
For the Jews, being Jewish was as much a racial thing as it was a religious thing.
But Jesus stresses that God is not tied to narrow racial or familial connections.
He does not bless Jesus’ mother more than other women.
He does not bless Abraham’s offspring more than others.
Yes, He does work through individuals and families, and they are blessed through it.
But it is ALWAYS His intention to bless the nations through them, not only them.
“I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” (Genesis 12:2-3).
God’s blessing must be received, taken hold of, and put into practice.
When Jesus family, or when Abraham’s offspring, turn against God, they miss out on that blessing.
And when sinners, Samaritans, Ninevites and foreign Queens respond with repentance and faith, they receive it!
We can extend this application to those who are in the church, by birth or by faith.
Belonging to the church is not the key to blessing, believing and obeying God is.
And if the unchurched are more humble or open to God’s will, they open themselves to God’s blessing.
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 7:21)
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, I have belonged to the church all my life. But I am only coming to knowing You by faith later on in my life. I want to follow and obey You, not just belong to the church.