Jesus, Lord of Family

by Mark Waltenbaugh

"I tell you the truth," Jesus replied, "no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age (homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields -- and with them, persecutions) and in the age to come, eternal life." Mark 10:29-30

    I lost my father recently to a terrible, life inhibiting disease called emphysema. Over the past several years, I watched as his lungs degenerated into useless organs that kept him from doing the things that most of us take for granted. Walking to the kitchen for a cup of coffee, getting up to answer the door, taking a shower . . . all activities that would deprive him of breath. On Monday, February 28th, his disease took his life.

    Through the loss of my father, I've come to appreciate family, especially the family that God brought me into when I gave my life to Jesus Christ. I appreciate so much the prayers that have been offered by you, my spiritual family. I've been comforted through cards, calls and visits. I found the words of Jesus in Mark 10:29-30 fulfilled in my life in a very real way. When I made the decision to follow Christ several years ago, I truly did receive a much larger family in this life. Losing my father was a tough loss, but having a spiritual family has made it easier to bear.

    Experiencing the truth of the first part of Jesus' promise reaffirms the truth of his second promise. In this life, I've received a hundred times as much... and in the age to come I'm confident I will enjoy eternal life. I pray that you are enjoying both these blessings too!

    Father, thank you so much for affirming your promise of family in this life through Jesus. The blessing of a spiritual family is rich and wonderful... I look forward to the blessing of eternal life with you! In Jesus name. Amen.

Posted: 03/16/2000
URL: http://www.heartlight.org/articles/200003/20000316_family.html

(c) 2000, Mark Waltenbaugh. Used by permission. From the Online Devotional Email ." -->

(c) 1996-2006, Heartlight, Inc.