“We are family” is a 1979 hit song by Sister Sledge, a group of four very real sisters. Even if you weren't into the disco scene of the late 70’s you may recognize it as the Pittsburgh Pirate’s theme song when they won the Baseball World Series in 79, or from its use in a wide variety of TV shows, Movies and commercials. There’s a simple reason why - Everything starts with family – Everything!

As we study through the Bible we find Jesus woven so deeply into the record that He’s practically on every page. The reason is simple – Family. The Bible is the story of God’s relationship to humans as His family. From Genesis to Revelation the grand unifying theme is God’s work to restore that family relationship through Jesus. Over and over man sins and breaks that relationship, often resulting in physical captivity. Over and over again God sends a savior to rescue His people. Why? Because we are family – His family (Exodus 3:7-8). This practice of God wanting a people flows through the Old and New Testament and culminates in heaven where those who were washed in the blood of the Lamb dwell with God as his people (Revelation 21:3)

The book of Judges is somewhat unique because of its constant repetition of the process of sin and rebellion leading to oppression and suffering followed by repentance and rescue. The text contains multiple lessons about generational failure and humanity's short sighted nature, but what really shines through, if we will look for it, is the theme – God rescues His family.

The very first Judge, Othniel, is unique because of his family. His Uncle Caleb was one of the two faithful spies allowed to enter The Promised Land. And in his old age Caleb was a battle leader during the conquest of Canaan. When the new generation turned away from God to serve idols and settle in with the idol worshipers (Judges 3:5-7) a foreign king quickly conquered and oppressed them. But God sent a savior, Othniel, to rescue His family (Judges 3:9-11).

Ultimately, despite all our sin, God sent the final judge, the ultimate deliverer, Jesus, his only son to rescue us. Why? Because he wants us to be his family. Oh what a God we have – if we are his family! Are you? Feel free to reach out to me if you aren't sure about how to be in God's family.