October 17

Day 216: Siblings

I am finishing up a book by Amie Byrd, one that challenges some of the notions we may have of how men and women are to function, lead and serve together in the Church. She addresses how the Apostle Paul referred to fellow believers as "brother" or "sister," and what he meant when he did.

When we use the same words, we likely refer to our biological siblings, or by extension, and as terms of endearment, we're referring to our fellow believers. But for Paul, it meant so much more, because his was a different culture, therefore a different context.

In Pau's day and age, men had a life expectancy of only 45 years; women more like 60. If a woman had five children, only two of those five were likely to reach adulthood. Many women died in childbirth, and child fatalities were high. At ten years old, a child could expect to have maybe two siblings. At age 35 it was more like 1.5 sibs.

In other words, the household would be managed by the surviving siblings over time; not the parents, who were likely gone. "These responsibilities included the family faith, economic production, education, religious and judicial functions, social security, emotional support and social contact."

The relationship between siblings in any first century family was the anchor to their family history and identity. Sibling relationships were more important than even marriage relationships; even the relationship with parents. All to protect and ensure the continuation of the family. It was through the siblings that anyone had their context and identity.

Therefore, when Paul called someone a brother or sister, he was saying that they were co-executors of the family estate and structure. That his brothers and sisters (in the faith) were his primary relationships. That these "family" relationships were essential, and of the highest priority to protect and preserve.

Early this morning I met with five other men. We prayed through Jude's letter to the broader Church as our template. One of the guys had only met one of the other guys for the first time just minutes before. While we were still taking our shoes off in the entry way.

And yet, we were already brothers. Siblings. Made so by the truth of the gospel. Knowing that as such, it was our role to protect and preserve our "family structure."

The geometric trajectory makes sense. The closer any of us move toward Jesus, the closer we mov e to each other. None of us were saved in isolation to be independent agents. We were all saved into God's family.

To be siblings, sharing in the identities and endeavors of our family. When we call someone our "brother" or our "sister," and knowing it or not, we're calling them essential to our growth and well-being. It's about our own survival, really.

This is why "neglecting to meet together" (Hebrews 10:25) is not just a noted absence, but is in fact a threat, a clear and present danger to the church family. Especially to the one absent.

Because we are siblings, desperately moving together as primary family closer and closer to our heavenly Father through our faith in His Son our Savior.

-Mike Rydman, Lead Pastor, Radiant Church | Juneau