Jesus, our older brother

“It was evening, it was morning…”  This small phrase, which appears several times in Genesis chapter 1, equally applies to our lives and our commitment to serve the Lord.

Let’s remember, at all times, this powerful encouragement:

“Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen.” 1 Peter 4:11 

Every day, we can say, “Teach me to do your will, for you are my God.  May your gracious Spirit lead me forward on a firm footing.” Psalms 143:10 

It is, of course, true that we go through difficult times (as now) but, “These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold–though your faith is far more precious than mere gold.  So, when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honour on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.”  1 Peter 1:7 (NLTse)

That’s why we want to give children the milk & honey of the Word of God, and the ability to choose what is right and reject what is wrong (Isaiah 7:15 (NLTse)), so that they turn their eyes to Jesus.

We pray that these children will know Jesus and follow theway, the truth, and the life every day of their lives on this broken Earth, which Jesus nevertheless walked on so that the Kingdom of God would be made known.  We also pray that children, young people and adults will move from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of his marvellous light!

The name of Jesus!  Jesus!  “…he will be called:  Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 (NLTse)

Hebrews 2:11 (NLTse) says, “So now Jesus and the ones he makes holy have the same Father. That is why Jesus is not ashamed to call them his brothers and sisters.”

Jesus is our older brother because we have the same father in Heaven (Galatians 4:6).  Because you are a son/daughter, God has put the Spirit of his Son in our hearts and we can call out, Abba! Father!

Let’s aim to be true children of God, filled with his Spirit, showing a good example to these children, and demonstrating his good works:  Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self Control (Galatians 5:22).

“Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.”  Galatians 5:25 (NLTse)