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1999-04-09 - Family
When we think of family we naturally think most often of those living in
our own household or our extended family who may be miles away. Some of us
have loving families; some of our family lives are filled with tension. Some
of us think we have no family because we live alone. But for Christians,
there is a family of millions. We have brothers and sisters in our local
churches, in churches of other denominations in our country, and in other
countries.
The Women's Bible Commentary* originates the beginning of this family with
Jesus' admonition to John to look after Mary, Jesus' mother.
John 19:26-27 (NRSV) When Jesus saw his mother and the
disciple whom he loved standing beside her, he said to his mother, "Woman,
here is your son." Then he said to the disciple, "Here is your mother." And
from that hour the disciple took her into his own home.
We don't often mean to, but sometimes we seem to forget that not all Christians
are just like us. For me, "just like us" is a White suburban mainline
denominational member. On the same day I am worshipping rather quietly in
my small, comfortably air-conditioned Presbyterian church, some of my Christian
family in the Amazon set up benches under trees, and worship exuberantly
while snakes frolic nearby. Side note: I consider air conditioning a blessing
from God, especially for those of us with allergies!
One of my Christian friends prefers Southern Gospel music, while I drive
to school, singing along with Point of Grace. But both types of music glorify
the same God. I find the NNAS Bible to be truest to the original language
in most of the instances where I know the original, but some of my sisters
implicitly trust the New International Version. The Spirit can speak to us
through many versions of His word and various styles of worship.
Some of our brothers and sisters cannot practice their faith as freely as
we can. Some give up their freedom, their possessions, their positions and
even their very lives, for their Lord. We are to stand in solidarity with
them, since we are all part of His body.
Heb 13:3 (NNAS) Remember the prisoners, as though in prison
with them, and those who are ill-treated, since you yourselves also are in
the body.
We need to do whatever else each of us feels led to do for them, whether
it's praying, writing letters to our Congressmen, or informing our churches
or working as as volunteer with organizations that help them.
I hope you will pray with me that God will help us appreciate and celebrate
the diversity of His church, and live in solidarity with His family.
* O'Day,Gail R., "John" Women's Bible Commentary, Carolyn A. Newsome and
Sharon H. Ringe, eds. Louisville: Westminster Press, 1998
Jan
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