Adopted child

TODAY'S SPECIAL: Galatians 3:26-4:7

TO CHEW ON: "But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. Galatians 4:4-5

Of all the metaphors used to describe our relationship with God, the father-child one may be the one we understand best. In the Old Testament God expressed His relationship with the descendants of Jacob that way, repeatedly calling them "My people" (Isaiah 43:1; Isaiah 63:16; Jeremiah 31:1)

In the New Testament, that kinship is expanded to all believers, Jew and Gentile.

• It applies to all who receive Him (John 1:12).

• Our sonship / daughtership is evident when we submit our lives to the Holy Spirit's leadership (Romans 8:14).

• Our family characteristics ("blameless, harmless, without fault, shining as lights") will make us noticeable to the world (Philippians 2:15).

• Our family likeness may cause the world to reject us (1 John 3:1).

However, this relationship is so worth it. It is one of tenderness and trust, shown by how we can address God as "Abba" or Daddy (Galatians 4:4-7). As our Father, we can look to God to:

• Stand in for an absent physical father, and defend us when we're vulnerable (Psalm 68:5).

• Guide us (Jeremiah 3:4).

• Teach and mold us (Isaiah 64:8).

• Hear and answer our prayers to Him (Matthew 6:9).

• Give us good things (Matthew 7:11).

• Take away our fears (Romans 8:15).

• Deal with us fairly at life's end (1 Peter 1:17).

What an incredible inheritance. Who would want to be anyone else's child?

PRAYER: Dear Father God, thank You for making a way for me to be Your adopted daughter. Help me to live in such a way that I will make You and the family proud. Amen.

MORE: Brian Doerksen sings "Father Me"

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The Holy Bible, New King James Version Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. - Used with permission.