Family resemblance is an interesting phenomenon. Even strangers can pick up similarities. This includes not just physical characteristics but personality and values too. I look like my mom – and more so every day. And she looks like her mom. But it’s also what she says and how she says it that conveys a relationship. Yet it’s not all genetics. We don’t need to be blood relatives to share likeness – spouses and adoptees can also share strong resemblance. I have close friends that often get mistaken for being my sister, even though I don’t think we look anything alike. When we spend significant time with one another we develop similar mannerism, language and a common bond. There is a visible connection.
In Biblical times, extended family lived together as one household. It was the house of the father, or the Bet Av. The patriarch would be known and whole family would carry his reputation. The family might have a name for being wise, or strong or generous. Or maybe it would be weak name. Both Saul and Gideon cited their lesser family and tribe as an excuse.
Incredibly, God has called us into His Bet Av. We come into His household when we follow Him. We carry His mighty name and bear His reputation (what an awesome privilege and responsibility). He dwells in and amongst us. As I spend time with the Father I begin to look like Him. And as siblings we together share the family traits of the Father – love, grace, mercy, truth, joy, hope.
Can others tell I am part of God’s family with a quick glance at my life? I hope I bear His likeness – and become ever more like Him every day.
See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know Him. Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when He appears we shall be like Him, because we shall see Him as He is. 1 John 3:1-2
