Some in my family aren’t really happy with my wife and me. Jill and I are going on another mission trip overseas. And again, on paper, it isn't the most friendly place for Christians. But as my friend in Florida says, “We are commanded to take the gospel to the world, and all the easy places are done.” We are eager to obey the Lord in this way, but our family thinks we are crazy. I believe, in their minds, we are too old, and younger people should go to those places.

There soon may be some truth to that, so we have to go to those places right now while we still can. All of them are aware of our faith and our calling to go, but some struggle to accept it because of their love for our tight-knit family. So, when we tell them when and where we are going, they shake their heads. They think we are just two crazy old people sometimes.

This morning, I read about Jesus's family, who felt the same way. They were doing life together and about to eat dinner, and the ministry called Jesus out of the dining room. He had to go. After all, that is why He was on Earth. His family had a difficult time understanding. Check it out.

“Then he went home, and the crowd gathered again, so that they could not even eat. And when his family heard it, they went out to seize him, for they were saying, “He is out of his mind.” - Mark 3:20-21, ESV.

After the resurrection of Jesus, His family got it. At least His mom and two of His brothers got it. But at first, the demands of kingdom-building were unacceptable and even seemed crazy. Now, Jill and I are by no means on the same missional level as Jesus. Our focus, energy, and drive would never match up with His, but we are His messengers now. It would be crazy not to go.

The point? Your family may think you are crazy right now in the way you talk about and live out your faith. That is probably because they love you and have ideas of what the family unit should look like. Communicate well with them the reasons for your behavior and speech. Love them deeply every single time you have the chance. But be obedient to your faith and calling. They will get it in the end. - Pastor Mike

BTW, I have a friend who is a locksmith. He got subpoenaed to court last week. Apparently, he was the key witness.