One of the amazing truths that God has recently set upon my heart is how we, as Christ followers, have been adopted into God's family as sons and daughters through what Jesus has done and by the power of the Holy Spirit! This truth is so deep and wonderful that there is no way that we will be able to plumb its depths in this lifetime. We are loved by God! What did God see in us that caused Him to look our way? As I take an honest look inside myself I realize that there is nothing about me that would cause God to love me. It is only because of the love within Himself. And oh how great that love is! The following verses are beautiful reminders of where we stand with God in Christ.
"But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, "Abba! Father!" So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God." (Galatians 4:4-7)
"For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, "Abba! Father!" (Romans 8:15)
"In love he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ," (Ephesians 1:4-5)
As I try to take in this picture of God's love and our adoption through Christ I can't help but parallel it with earthly adoptions. There is nothing good that our child will have done to earn our approval or our love. Our love for our child is already there; made manifest by the Holy Spirit. Put simply, any genuine love in us is put there by God. Amanda and I have now been called to share that love through adoption. Thank God for the work He has done!
As we walk through this journey of life my prayer is that we, as followers of Christ, never forget our identity in Jesus as a son or daughter of God. We were made new for the purpose of good works, and by God's grace we are walking through what He has called us to do. Whatever that might be!
Love God. Love others.
In Christ,
Clint
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