The Brother

Philemon 1:7 – Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints. (NIV)

A number of years ago, my brother moved onto my property with me.

When we were children, he, being two years older, helped me to learn my alphabet, and taught me how to tie my shoes and ride a two-wheeler bike. Now that we are adults, I have been busy learning even more from him, such as greenhouse gardening and the framing of buildings. He has also been a huge help with fencing, staining, and general fixing. It is good to have a brother on whom I can count.

But it is even better that each and every person worldwide can have a brother, the ultimate brother on whom they can count. And that one is Jesus Christ.

Romans 8:29 – For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. (NIV)

Hebrews 2:11 – Both the one who makes men holy and those who are made holy are the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers. (NIV)

Philippians 2:6-8 – [Christ Jesus] being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death — even death on a cross! (NIV)

Jesus is the ultimate brother. He is the One who has loved us so much that He laid down His life willingly so that our sins could be forgiven, if only we would open our hearts and minds and lives to Him. He is the One who forgives, strengthens, encourages, holds accountable, teaches, and grants wisdom and life eternal through the power of His Holy Spirit to all who humble themselves and call upon His name in trust and faith. He is the One who is always with us and for us.

Romans 8:31b-32 – If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all — how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? (NIV)

Is Jesus your brother today? If so, praise God for all that He has taught and blessed you with through His presence with and for you. If not, perhaps this is a good day to take that step and invite Him into your life to be your ultimate brother now and throughout eternity.

Prayer: Father God, thank You so much for Jesus. May we embrace Him as our brother, Lord, Saviour, and King, knowing that He is always with and for us through You. And if You are for us, indeed, who can stand against us? In Christ's name, we pray. Amen.

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