1282. Brethren–Brotherhood

Brethren–Brotherhood

"Jesus saith unto her, Touch Me not: for I am not yet ascended to My Father: but go to My brethren, and say unto them. I ascend unto My Father, and your Father; and to My God, and your God" (Joh_20:17).

This is a word that Christ used after His resurrection. "Go tell My brethren," said He. With what joy did the disciples get the message of Mary, as she repeated to them the words of the Master: "Go to My brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto My Father, and your Father; and to My God, and your God." We have before us three things:

1. A new fellowship. Somehow there is a nearness, a fellowship in the word "brethren," that no other word holds. Christ calls us "brethren." He takes us unto Himself not as inferiors, but as equals; not as strangers, but as relatives.

There is no estrangement between the Risen Lord and His earthly followers. They are knit together in family ties; they are "one."

2. A new relationship. "My Father and your Father." The fellowship we have with Christ is a common brotherhood based upon a common fatherhood. We have the same Father. We have access as sons, and we cry "Abba, Father." Bless God, for this union in that sonhood which gives us entrance into the family of God. And the whole family, both in Heaven and on earth, are bound together in bonds of Heavenly love.

3. A new heirship. Some one has said that the men of this world ascend into the skies in an airship. They soar over our heads, carried along by their swift flying craft.

Well, so be it. But we too have an heirship, which gives us title to mansions in the skies. One day we will sail forth in this heirship, as we go to meet our Lord, in the air. We are sons, and if sons, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Jesus Christ. Thank God, Christ called us brethren, and the brethren are joint-heirs with the great Elder Brother.

Autor: R.E. NEIGHBOUR