READ | Matthew 12:46-50
“Whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother, my sister, my mother, my family (Matthew 12:50).”
When Jesus, the Wayshower, said my Father, he was claiming his personal relationship with God. His relationship with God superseded the religious rituals and dogmas of his time (John 10:30- 36). Not only did Jesus say, my father but he also said my brother, my sister, my mother, my family. While Jesus was in the middle of teaching, his family of origin was requesting his time and attention. Jesus chose to continue his ministry assignment and to take this opportunity to declare his right to choose his family dynamic. He was saying that my family is no longer limited to blood, marriage, or law.
It is important that we pay attention to how we use the word, “my”. Whenever we say, “my”, we are claiming someone or something as our own. When we say, my family, we are accepting roles, responsibilities, rights, and rewards among a specific group of people. Following Jesus’ example, gives us the right to define our family for ourselves. We are empowered to co-create with God the family that we desire and deserve based on love, divine connection, and covenant relationships.
Having a personal relationship with God entitles you to all these rights and privileges as God’s offspring. You are an heir of God and joint heir with Christ Jesus (Romans 8:17). There is no part of God that is cut off from you. You have access to all that God is and all that God has is yours. Therefore, it is completely up to you to establish priorities and set boundaries so that all your relationships can be harmonious.
Rev. Doral Pulley is the senior pastor of Today’s Church Tampa Bay, 940 5th Ave. S, St. Petersburg (Staybridge Suites) and 5107 North Central Ave., Tampa.
