An invitation to join the family business

Most of us are a part of a family- have you ever had a family business? Something you all work together to accomplish, everyone with a unique role? Even if it’s just a work day with a club, you now what it’s like, right? Common goal, unified purpose, lots of personalities so maybe some arguing as well. If it’s really a family business you have two big priorities- you can’t walk away, and you have to get the job done.

There is a family that reaches back to the beginning of time- close, deeply and mutually dependent, and working toward one purpose. John himself was there when it was all explained, and now nothing would make him happier than for us to be a part. Join him, he invites, in koinonia– fellowship- with Moses, Abraham, Rahab. And of course, God and his Son, Jesus Christ. Family, yes. But also- purpose.

What an exciting invitation! And it comes first-hand from one who saw and heard and touched Jesus himself. One who shepherded the first century church with wisdom and love and was martyred for his faith. John says his joy is complete when we are all together in this family, this fellowship that functions in a practical way on earth.

We can relate when we think of the joy we experience watching our children share a toy, or welcome a new kid. We are beginning to see signs they will be joining the family business, and our hearts want to burst!

Today we begin praying through 1 John, asking God that our children will know the joy of fellowship with all those who have accepted the invitation- across the centuries and across the globe.

That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life— the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us— that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. And we are writing these things so that our joy may be complete. I John 1:1-4