Big Brother is Watching

I wrote last night about God being our father and how in turn that makes Jesus our brother. I ended up coming across verses today that tells me exactly that and I wanted to share.

Romans 8:16-17

New International Version (NIV)

¹⁶ The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. ¹⁷ Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.

Romans 8:29

New International Version (NIV)

²⁹ For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.

Hebrews 2:10-13

New International Version (NIV)

¹⁰ In bringing many sons and daughters to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through what he suffered. ¹¹ Both the one who makes people holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters.^{[a] 12} He says,

“I will declare your name to my brothers and sisters;
in the assembly I will sing your praises.”^[b]

I love knowing that my big brother was willing to give his life in order to save mine and that he does all that he can to protect my mind, body, and soul on a daily basis. It's also wonderful to know that he is willing to share his inheritance in the kingdom.

How many stories have you heard of family heirs fighting over what they feel is theirs? We don't have to fight for our inheritance. As soon as we accepted Christ as our savior and gave our lives to him, he was willing to split the bank.

But keep in mind we also have to split the pain of walking in his family. Just like he suffered we too will suffer, but unlike him it will not cost most of us our lives, but it may cost us to sacrifice what the world considers "living". Being a true believer will cause you to stand out. You will have no choice but to be different than the world and the world is not easily accepting of our ways.

Romans 12:2

New International Version (NIV)

² Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

1 Peter 3:14-18

New International Version (NIV)

¹⁴ But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats^[a]; do not be frightened.”^{[b] 15} But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, ¹⁶ keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. ¹⁷ For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. ¹⁸ For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit.

John 15:18-21

New International Version (NIV)

The World Hates the Disciples

¹⁸ “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. ¹⁹ If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. ²⁰ Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’^[a] If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. ²¹ They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the one who sent me.

God will honor us living and walking for him. He will honor our sufferings. But the best part is, we do not have to do it alone. Christ came before us so that we could know how to live. He is our example. And he sent his Holy Spirit in to help and guide us. He also sits at the right hand of God interceding on our behalf.

I love knowing that no matter what I go through, my big brother is always looking out for me and he is looking out for you too. We are one family, through Jesus Christ. So just know that your big or little sister (wherever I fall in the pecking order) is also looking out for you and praying on your behalf. And when you have a fight...I'm willing to fight it with you.