There's a reason we don't all live in one place with the people we love. (And if you do, count that as an extra special blessing!) But most of us have friends or family in distant places. As difficult as it can be to live far from family and friends, we are also all called to serve God first...that purpose is something we all have in common!
"Then Jesus' mother and brothers arrived. Standing outside, they sent someone in to call him. A crowd was sitting around him, and they told him, 'Your mother and brothers are outside looking for you.' 'Who are my mother and my brothers?' he asked. Then he looked at those seated in a circle around him and said, 'Here are my mother and my brothers! Whoever does God's will is my brother and sister and mother.'" - Mark 3:31-35 NIV
Initially, this passage could be misinterpreted as harsh because it's as if Jesus is rejecting his family. But if you look at the heart of what Jesus is saying, it makes perfect sense. He's putting his heavenly father first, above his earthly family. Our relationship with God is first in our lives, above all others, because it is for eternity!
Our families and friends are essential earthly relationships that give us honesty, encouragement and support. But our relationship with our Heavenly Father is our constant reminder of our eternal life through faith in Christ Jesus, our Savior.
"Those who had been SCATTERED preached the word wherever they went. Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Christ there. When the crowds heard Philip and saw the miraculous signs he did, they all paid close attention to what he said. With shrieks, evil spirits came out of many, and many paralytics and cripples were healed. So there was great joy in that city." - Acts 8:4-8 NIV
There's a reason we have each been called to serve in different vocations, in different places, whether it be the church, business world, or serving our country. God has given us each different gifts, but all of those gifts serve the body of Christ. We are to use those gifts for His glory!
God's love scatters us to the ends of the earth, so that the Gospel of Jesus Christ may be shared to all those who are lost, who are seeking, who desire to believe in more than just themselves. The distance may be difficult, but the purpose is not lost. God's LOVE SCATTERS US so that we may share the hope that we have in His unconditional, overflowing, unending grace and love!
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