I will never forget hearing the song by Bill and Gloria Gaither, “The Family of God.” I have never researched just how many songs they have given to the body of Christ, but every one that I heard has blessed me. Just look at these lyrics:
“,,,You will notice we say “brother and sister” ’round here,
It’s because we’re a family and these are so near;
When one has a heartache, we all share the tears,
And rejoice in each victory in this family so dear.
I’m so glad I’m a part of the Family of God,
I’ve been washed in the fountain, cleansed by His blood!
Joint heirs with Jesus as we travel this sod,
For I’m part of the family,
The Family of God.
From the door of an orphanage to the house of the King,
No longer an outcast, a new song I sing;
From rags unto riches, from the weak to the strong,
I’m not worthy to be here, but praise God I belong!
I’m so glad I’m a part of the Family of God,
I’ve been washed in the fountain, cleansed by His Blood!
Joint heirs with Jesus as we travel this sod,
For I’m part of the family,
The Family of God“
When I first heard these words, I was a relatively new believer – what an impact they had on me – I felt part of a family, a very large family, that had no color lines – no demoninational lines – no separation – we were all “brothers and sisters” in Christ!
How I needed that in my life at that time. One of the things I think is a travesty in the contemporary church is that we don’t call each other Brother and Sister any more, even though this is a time when people need to “feel family ties” more than ever!
I was talking to my Pastor the other day about what a fellowship I felt every time I went to Oral Roberts University for a graduation, or to take one of my children to school. No, I didn’t know many of the people that I talked with, in fact most I had never laid eyes on them before -but what a kinship I felt – I knew them because I knew pretty much what they believed, and I also knew that many were like my family, taking a great leap of faith to bring their sons and daughters to this institution because they believed the call of God on their child’s life was worth the sacrifice.
I love to go into a place where there are believers who live their faith – who love God’s Word – who want to do great things for God – who want to effect their world with the message of the gospel of their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It’s contagious you know – maybe we can start a movement just by calling each other “brother and sister” and really share in each heartache – and tear and rejoice over each victory – maybe we can shout this message:
“,,,From the door of an orphanage to the house of the King,
No longer an outcast, a new song I sing;
From rags unto riches, from the weak to the strong,
I’m not worthy to be here, but praise God I belong!i…”
and t will make others want to join this family too!
Selah!
Maria
Great word, my sister. I think you are right we need to go back to calling each other brother and sister, especially at this time when so many people need to feel part of God’s family.