Have you ever been so close to someone that you took them for granted?  You know the scenario – you take a family vacation to visit relatives and everyone comments on how much your kids have grown…how much they have changed – but you hadn’t really noticed a drastic change, because you’re with them everyday.

Awhile back I went to a Crossbridge youth group event where the kids were sharing their hearts to help young girls in Cambodia that are a part of the sex slave trade.  I got to see my son, Jordan, in a different light…with fresh eyes.  I was blown away with his ability to speak publicly and to see the passion for making an impact in the world.  This was MY SON…I was filled with pride, yet at the same time I was ashamed that I was surprised.  Why didn’t I realize that he had that in him?  Why would his ability to speak publicly and share his heart in such a profound way take me by surprise?  I would say, it is because I was so close to him.  I have gotten caught up in the day to day.  Every day Jordan is there, I love him and I am thrilled that he is my son…but I missed it.  I had taken him for granted.

The reaction of Jesus’ family in chapter 3 of Mark is intriguing.  Look at verse 21…

“When his family heard about this, they went to take charge of him, for they said, ‘He is out of his mind.’”

This is Mary talking…didn’t an angel give her a bit of a heads-up not too long ago that this kid was a bit special?  What happened?  Life happened…hour passed by hour…day by day…sabbath by sabbath…year by year.  There was Jesus, he was there, he was close…so close that they missed it.

I do that, I take Jesus for granted.  He is always there…always faithful…day by day, week by week.  Life happens and I miss it…or Him.  The power…the might…the love…the Son of God!  Too many times I am like the soldiers playing games at the foot of the cross, so close…yet missing the reality of Jesus.  Don’t get me wrong.  It is not a lack of faith so much as just a forgetting who he really is…

Son of God

King of Kings

Lord of Lords

Prince of Peace

Name Above All Names

Actually, this video by Chris Tomlin captures the idea…