Today’s devotion is Mark 3:31-35.
“31 Then His mother and His brothers arrived, and standing outside they sent word to Him and called Him.
32 A crowd was sitting around Him, and they said to Him, “Behold, Your mother and Your brothers are outside looking for You.”
33 Answering them, He said, “Who are My mother and My brothers?”
34 Looking about at those who were sitting around Him, He said, “Behold My mother and My brothers!
35 “For whoever does the will of God, he is My brother and sister and mother.” Mark 3:31-35. (Emphasis added.)
How can we do the will of God? A good first step is to pray. In The Lord’s Prayer, our Lord taught us to pray: “… “Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven …”.
The Heidelberg Catechism states in Question and Answer 124 concerning this part of The Lord’s Prayer:
Question 124. Which is the third petition?
Answer. [a] “Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven”; that is, grant that we and all men may renounce [b] our own will, and without murmuring [c] obey thy will, which is only good; that so every one may attend to, and [d] perform the duties of his station and calling, as willingly and faithfully as the [e] angels do in heaven.
[a]: Mat. 6:10
[b]: mat. 16:24; Tit. 2:12
[c]: Luke 22:42
[d]: 1Cor. 7:24; Eph. 4:1
[e]: Psa. 103:20
In renouncing our own will, Matthew 16:24 states: “Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” Titus 2:12: “Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;”
Without murmuring obey thy will, Luke 22:42 gives us the example of Christ: “Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.” .
In performing the duties of his station, Ephesians 4:1 exhorts us: “Brethren, let every man, wherein he is called, therein abide with God.” 1 Corinthians 7:24 also exhorts us: “I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,”
Willingly and faithfully as the angels obey God’s will in heaven, we conclude with this praise to God: “Bless the LORD, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word.” Psalm 103:20.
Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions 