Ever since I was young, I wanted a brother. Older or younger, it didn’t really matter. Having an older brother would have given me someone to follow, to show me the ropes and to help train me in all that I would encounter. Maybe it would be how to catch a football, throw a baseball, cast a fishing line or talk to girls. The list would be long of what he could teach me since my brother would have already traveled these very steps before me. Having a younger brother would have reversed the role. Instead of being the trainee, I would now be the leader. My mission would be to impart all of the wisdom that I had gained over the years to my little ‘bro’.
There is a strong bond between brothers. They are there for each other in times of trouble no matter the time of night. Brothers can be counted on to come through, to make sacrifices and to love unconditionally. I’ve seen this with my friends and their brothers growing up. Although they may bicker and fight with one another, they were ready to defend each other tooth and nail or at the drop of a hat if anyone messed with either one of them. In other words, you better get ready to take on two if you went after one. I love that kind of loyalty, someone having my back no matter what the situation. There has always been something deep inside me that desired a brother, someone of my own blood who would be willing to stand by me, and me with him, through anything that life would bring our way.
But wait a second, I already have this brother, the one I have desired throughout my life. He has been there the entire time waiting for me to reach out to Him, to surrender and give my life to Him. His name is Jesus.
How do I know this to be true? It says it in the Bible in various places including:
Hebrews 2:11 – “Because I am sanctified and am one with the Sanctifier, He is not ashamed to call me His brother.”
Matthew 12:50 – “For whoever does the will of my Father in Heaven is my brother…”
Luke 8:21 – “He replied, my mother and brothers are those who hear God’s Word and put it into practice.”
Jesus wants a brotherly relationship with me. All the things I desire in a brother He will do and so much more as long as I surrender my life to Him. He can be counted on in times of trouble, no matter the hour of night. He will love me unconditionally. He will be loyal, will defend me, will teach, coach and guide me. He already has sacrificed His life for me so that I can have eternal life. His brotherly love is already present for you and I.
What more could I ask for, a brother who is always with me and loving me every hour of the day. I can’t wait to see Jesus face to face one day in Heaven. I wonder what we will talk about, what things we will laugh about, feeling a brotherly love never felt before.
Jesus is the ‘bro’ I have always desired and needed. You can have this relationship too. All you have to do is submit your life to Him. Take the risk! It’s the best decision you will ever make!
