Mark 3:33-35

Blood Runs Thicker Than Water

Brothers fight together and aren’t afraid to mince words, but when one of them is under attack, it’s hard to find a more vigorous defender than the victim’s brother. 

If on the same Sunday morning, your sister’s child is being baptized and your friend’s child is being confirmed, which would you attend?  You’d attend the baptism, wouldn’t you? 

A bully makes school lunchtimes miserable.  The child's heart breaks, but mom's heart is devastated as the "What can I do?” mind parade marches on. 

Blood runs thicker than water.  So it is significant that Jesus describes his connection to the Christian as a blood connection.  When you are in the middle of a terrible time, do you see your relationship with God being that tight?  Isn't it easier to quickly blame God for not caring, for not paying attention, and for not wanting to help?  But that's simply not true. 

Our God is emotional about his people.  He is connected to us by blood, like family.  The bond couldn’t be closer.  He is unafraid to tell us what we need to hear – not just what we want to hear – and is also unafraid to spring to our defense when we’re threatened.  We rejoice, and he wouldn’t miss the moment as he rejoices with us.  We ache, and he aches more.  Simply put, his heart is "all in" with us.  Isn't that why he died on the cross?  He was distressed at the thought of us perishing in hellfire, so like one brother saving another from danger, the God of eternal love and mercy sprung into action to save.

Jesus said, “Whoever does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.”  Yes, he wants to be that close.  Do not ever believe the lie that God doesn’t care.  Rather, enjoy your day with a God of love, who connects with you deeply, like family!