“Since you have purified yourselves by your obedience to the truth, so that you show sincere brotherly love for each other, from a pure heart love one another constantly, because you have been born again—not of perishable seed but of imperishable—through the living and enduring word of God.” – 1 Peter 22-23
Thanksgiving Day probably means something a little different for everyone. Some of you probably can’t wait to sit down at a big table and enjoy a great meal with the people you love. Some of you might be preparing to deal with some relatives that can be very difficult. Some of you may be visiting a home or family that brings back bad memories from your childhood. And some of you may be spending Thanksgiving Day alone. But regardless of which situation you find yourself in this Thursday, this time of year draws our attention to what a huge role family plays…for better or worse. Whether you are looking forward to the next few days, or dreading them, family has a big impact on our lives.
God knows this, and he knows our fallen state. He knows how difficult family can be and he knows how much we need it. So, I think it is no mistake that, once we are purified by Christ, he makes us family with all those who have come to Jesus. God intentionally uses familial language – brothers, sisters, children, Father – to describe our relationship to him and to one another. Our hearts long for family…loving, committed, supportive family. So, part of our new life in Christ is adoption into a new family; a family that continues into eternity. I don’t know what you have planned with your family this week; I hope it is wonderful. But never forget the family you have in Christ and make sure you invest in those relationships…because they are eternal.
Heavenly Father, thank You for adopting us into Your heavenly family through the sacrifice of Your Son. Let us never take for granted the beautiful brothers and sisters we have and help us to find the love, strength, and comfort we need inside Your Church.
In Christ’s Service,
Pastor Shane Cannon