Lord’s Day, Vol. 2 No. 26

The Family of God

Galatians 6:2   Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.

To bear one another’s burden is to help one another, to care one for another. We are to do so as an injunction from God. We are to do so continually.

Naturally, we care for ourselves. The Lord tells us that the redeemed man cares not only for himself but also looks into the interests of others as his own. This is to fulfil the law of Christ.

Paul’s assessment of the Galatian Christians was that they had not fulfil the law of Christ! He encouraged them to bear spiritual fruits in their lives. Be conscious of the needs of fellow believers and seek to help one another.

At our weekly Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting, we bear one another’s burdens in intercessory prayers. “The family of God” was a hymn that was a result of the fruit of intercessory prayer. This was the story recorded by Henry Gariepy.

“A young father was severely burned over most of his body in an explosion that ripped through the garage when he was working. Doctors told his family that he was not expected to live through the night.

Within an hour, members of the church in Anderson, Indiana, were alerted and a great prayer chain earnestly petitioned through the night hours for his recovery. The doctors reported that if he could make it through the next twenty‐four hours he might have a chance.

Early the next morning, which was Easter Sunday, those who had prayed through the night learned that the man was still alive.

Family and friends gathered for worship,heavy‐hearted and tired from a sleepless night. At the beginning of the service, the minister announced to the congregation that he had just spoken with the doctor, and the young man had passed the first crisis and had a good chance of survival.

The weariness of the long night gave way to praise and thanksgiving to God. Members celebrated the resurrection of our Lord with gratitude to God for His answer to their prayers.

Among the members of that church were Bill and Gloria Gaither, the best‐known gospel songwriters of our day, who have written a rich repertoire of songs of faith.

They, with other members of the congregation, were very moved that Easter Sunday by the prayer support of the church for the man whose life was hanging on the line.

On their way home, they talked about the family of believers, the love and concern they had seen in action. Words and music started to be piece together, their Easter noon meal having to wait. By the time they finally sat down to eat, one of the beautiful songs of our day was born, celebrating our being part of the family of God.

I’m so glad I’m 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,
family of God.

You will notice we say,
“brother and sister” ‘round here –
It’s because we’re family
and these folks are so near;
When one has a heartache
we all share the tears,
And rejoice in each victory
in this family so dear.
From the door of an orphanage
to the house of the King –
No longer an outcast,
a new song I sing;
From rags to riches,
from the weak to the strong,
I’m not worthy to be here,
but praise God, I belong!

Christian believers are more than friends with each other.

Praise God, for He has joined us together as members of His family. Let us uphold one another in prayer, love and faith.”

(Taken from Henry Gariepy’s Songs in the Night – Inspiring Stories behind 100 Hymns Born in Trial and Suffering)

Indeed, it is heart warming when God’s people pray for, visit and care one for another. Our labour is not in vain in the Lord.

1 Corinthians 15:58   Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable,always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

Yours lovingly,
Pr. Lek Aik Wee