"At the same time, says the Lord, I will be the God of all the families of Israel, and they shall be My people" ~Jer 31:1~
This chapter is titled in my Bible: "The Remnant of Israel Saved". I always think about people without a family during the holidays. I know how it feels to be estranged from family members, or to lack the close family relationships others share with extended family...aunts, uncles, grandparents, cousins, all packed in one house, catching up on things, sharing good stories and laughs, crowded around the table, grateful to be together for another season of thanks.
I feel so blessed to have my children! We have a table full every day of our life. We share meals, stories about our day, and always plenty of laughs. I think we value each other's presence and company more now than ever. We plan things, just for us. The bonds we share, the relationships we have built, they are for a life time. There is nothing like hearing your children pray, thanking God for our time together as a family, to do things together that we enjoy, supporting one another. Regardless of riches, regardless of what obstacles we face, regardless of what goes on outside that door, we are family. We are home with each other. These are the ties that bind. This is our remnant being saved.
But you don't have to look far to see how God can use you to be someones extended family. Start family traditions of your own! We go to the Salvation Army and serve every Thanksgiving. Look for neighbors that have no one to celebrate the holidays with. Nursing homes always have a lonely someone that needs a visit. Think of a family in your community that has really had a tough year, maybe sickness,or job loss...they could probably use some groceries, or even a meal cooked for them. Sometimes the invitation to a friend's house in a lonely season of life is like receiving a life-line.
Be help. Be hope. Bind up your family ties. Build new ones. Let God use you to save the remnant.
"Thus says the Lord: The people who survived the sword found grace in the wilderness-Israel, when I went to give him rest...yes, I have loved you with everlasting love; therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you. Again I will build you, and you shall be rebuilt..." ~Jer 31:2-4~
