My family means so much to me. I can’t imagine life without them. My happiest and most memorable moments are those shared with family. And while friends are important, too, friends can come and go, but family remains forever. And all this reminiscing got me thinking about that other family of mine, my spiritual family.  In reality, the entire world is divided into only two great families: the family of God and the family of Satan, and each group is vying to increase the number of their relatives.  

Jesus called his heavenly father, Abba, which literally means “daddy.” He was the Son of Abba. But there was someone else who called himself the Son of Abba, and that was Barabbas, bar meaning son and abba, already covered above.  It’s interesting to note that Abba was used only by family members to denote intimacy with their father as well as to address and acknowledged the head of their household.

We all know the story of how Pilate offered the people a choice between these two “sons of abba.” All four gospels talk about it.  And no two sons could be more opposite, nor their fathers, either. It’s amazing how children reflect their parents.  Qualities, prejudices, shortcomings, strengths, are all mirrored in the lives of offspring.  And so, we will eventually come to resemble our spiritual father.  The Bible tells us how Jesus, the very creator of the universe, was full of love and compassion, was gentle and kind.  Barabbas, on the other hand, is noted as a rebel, a thief and a murdered, just like his spiritual father, Satan, who is a rebel against God and who comes only to “steal, kill, and destroy.” What a contrast! And all the more amazing is how many in the crowd chose the wrong son of abba. And nothing’s changed.  People are still doing it. 

The Bible says we will know them by their fruits (Matthew 7:16) then goes on to say that “every good tree will bring forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree brings forth evil fruit” (Matthew 7:17). The meaning is obvious.  And in a similar manner, as the world becomes more confusing and malevolent, not only will we be able to distinguish the sons of God from the sons of Satan, but we will be pressured more and more to answer the question for ourselves, “whose son (or daughter) are you”?

Until next week,

Sylvia

Sheep have to be among the silliest of God’s creatures.  They simply cannot survive by themselves.  If left on their own they would return to the same overgrazed and pollute pastures, unable to find new ones upon which to feed. They would become sickly without the saltlicks and other trace minerals the shepherd provides.  They would drink from polluted holes unless taken to a source of water that is pure. Or they would drown if not kept away from swift running streams. Their eyes have to be constantly cleaned and medicated to prevent blindness from infections caused by flies. And they need sheltering during harsh inclement weather for they don’t know enough to shelter themselves. And when a sheep becomes “cast” or ends up on its back unable to scramble back on its feet, it would die unless the shepherd picked it up. In addition, sheep are utterly unable to protect themselves from predators and must rely solely on their shepherd for protection.

It’s no accident that the Bible compares us to sheep for we are just as foolish and incapable of caring for ourselves. And it’s for this very reason we need The Good Shepherd.  For it is the Shepherd that keeps us from pollution by providing His word for us to feed on.  He is the living water that keeps us refreshed.  He is the salve that keeps us from spiritual blindness.  He is our provider, our shelter, our protector.  His utter care and commitment is all encompassing.  He is tender and loving, ever mindful of our weaknesses but never repulsed by them. He picks us up when we fall, and carries us when we are weak. He has laid down his life for us, the sheep. He has held nothing back.

In this time of uncertainly and upheaval, isn’t it wonderful that we have such a Shepherd?  We need not fear, but only allow Him to lead, guide and protect us. And we, His sheep, can remain in perfect peace, if we follow His leading.

Until next week,

Sylvia

The more I see of the world the more I wonder if society at large has a clue of what real love is.  Oh, the romance movies would have us think it’s all sparks and chemistry like something that fizzes out of a child’s toy volcano when the right elements are mixed together. Most of the time this makes for a nice story, one that usually has a happy ending of boy getting girl.  But we rarely see what happens after the “getting,” when the pressures of everyday life kicks in, and the “fizz” goes flat.

So if that’s not real love, what is?  Well, there’s a great definition of love in 1 Corinthians 13:4 which says that love is patient, kind, never envious or boastful or conceited. It says that love does not insist on its own way, or its rights.  It’s not touchy or resentful, takes no account of wrong done it.  It’s not self-seeking, but bears up under anything that comes along.  It never fails and it’s not conditional.  Wow!  That’s awesome and inspiring, but depressing, too.  Because who can live it?

Only One comes to mind; the perfect embodiment of true love; the kind movies seldom talk about.  It’s love without sizzle.  It’s hard and gut wrenching, and poignant, and difficult.  It’s the kind of love that made the King of the Universe, the Creator of all, humble Himself and come in the form of man and allow His entrance to be made in a smelly animal shelter.  It’s the kind of love that, without resentment, bore up under the persecution and lies of His countrymen.  A kind of love that didn’t fail when He was tortured and nailed to a tree.  Instead of calling down bolts of lightening on those who mocked Him, He called out, “Father forgive them.” 

Oh, how our God loves us! He spelled it out clearly: J-E-S-U-S.  Let us remember Him in this wonderful season.

Happy Birthday Jesus.  And Merry Christmas everyone.

Until next week,

Sylvia