Relating to Jesus as our Brother

Dear Brother,

Back when I was going through my divorce, I was in so much anguish at the start of the journey (the consequences of my own actions). The pain I had inflicted on my wife, my family, myself, my failure as a husband, and as a step-dad was so real. My hypocrisy had been exposed and I really had nowhere to turn to for solace. I often say the situation was so bad I had nowhere to turn but to the Lord. But I found that my Savior and Brother was there for me. I cannot explain it but one day in a room by myself I was spending some time repenting for everything and reflecting on my decisions. I felt a tangible presence of comfort, not a harsh rebuke like I expected. It was almost like a hug or reassurance that the situation would turn out fine because of the Lord. I can honestly say My brother, My Lord—Jesus—was with me. As broken as you have been, I hope you have a similar experience as you travel along your journey.

Some preachers and scholars say there is a special purpose in the Father's design that His 'fullness' should dwell in the Son. God brought all His qualities into His son, in superabundance to enable Him as His faithful servant to encourage and develop those divine qualities in you. So even though you may feel like becoming the husband/man of God He wants you to be is too hard, Jesus will bring you to His own perfection if you trust Him.

Col. 1:12-22. (NASB)

And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross. And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him,

Our brother was equipped for the work of reconciliation. Reconciling man to God and God to man is the objective for which God has caused "the finished work of Jesus Christ" to dwell in His Son. Even though you may have failed several times before, even though right now you may be heavy laden, weary, ashamed, and feeling defeated and yet... Yet, He is not ashamed to call you and me brothers, because He brought us to sanctification through His death. God has given us salvation and brought us into His family through His Son.

Romans 12 (ESV)

So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh.  For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.  For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.

Therefore, even though the road is hard sometimes, do not forget that there is a reward and your Brother has done the journey before you and has overcome every difficulty. I would like to help you remember why you must relate to Jesus.

â—Ź Jesus is welcoming, never seeing us as rivals or ridiculing our faults Romans 5:8 "But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

â—Ź Jesus does everything first and sets an example for us to follow 1 Peter 2:21 "For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps."

â—Ź Jesus teaches us that when He was on earth, He turned conventional religious thinking upside down, John 13:13 "You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am."

● Jesus offers constant guidance and support. He has big plans but isn’t the kind of brother who leaves us and goes off on His own adventures; He’s called us all to join Him on a mission—living for Him and sharing His Good News with others. John 15:5 "I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing."

â—Ź Jesus is willing to share His inheritance with us. John 14:1-3 "Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also."

● Jesus paid the price for our adoption. Our reconciliation with God comes at a price—the death penalty for our sin. 1 John 2:1-2 "My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.  He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world."

● Jesus advocates and defends us. Like the best of big brothers, He defends us and even fights our battles. He knows our weaknesses and completely understands—He’s been there. Jesus even stands up for us before God the Father, offering His sinless life and atoning death in our place. Hebrews 7:25 "Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them."

So what kind of brother is Jesus? He’s perfect—always kind, completely generous, and absolutely wise. He has chosen to be our brother, even as He chose to become one of us. He’s in your corner. I have felt each and every one of these things during my most difficult time and still feel them. I was welcomed despite my sin, I fought the fight by believing for a miracle in Him; I continued to learn, I learned to trust, and I am certain Jesus is my advocate to God. I know for certain other situations with work, turned for my good. So dear brother, never give up, you have a brother in high places.

~ Tad RESTORED in Australia

If you haven't already done so, please take a moment to read my testimony and then my wife's encouragement.

Also, here are the previous letters from prior months that I hope will inspire you in your Journey.

Tad RESTORED in Australia
Odelia RESTORED in Australia