Reading Plan:
Ephesians 1
Our Thoughts:
Some friends of our family went through the adoption process for years. Over and over, they patiently completed paperwork, background checks, and home visits so the adoption agencies could ensure a safe, loving homes for the child they were seeking. The couple eagerly traveled to different states with the hopes of bringing home a baby but returned empty-handed and heartbroken again and again. The cost for all of this grew to an incredible amount, both emotionally and financially. Despite the cost, they continued to trust that God would provide their child at the right time.
After years of disappointment and heartache, my friends got the good news they had been anxiously awaiting. They were told two brothers needed a forever family, and the caller wanted to know if they would be willing to accept both into their home. Nothing happened the way my friends planned or expected, but now these brothers are beloved members of the family with the full rights, privileges, and duties as any other child born into the family.
Adoption is such a beautiful picture of the Father’s love for us. For believers, adoption is the legal declaration that we are God’s children, with all the rights, privileges, and duties belonging to believers. In Ephesians 1, Paul tells us that before the foundation of the world, before God breathed life into man, and before Adam and Eve spoke even one word to the serpent in the garden, the Father planned for us to be adopted as sons and daughters. God knew when He created us that we would be sinners and fall short of His standard. Romans 5:6 tells of God’s love, patience, and perfect timing, “For at just the right time, while we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly.”Romans 5:8 reminds us that because of the Father’s great love for us when we were still sinners, He made a way for salvation and a personal relationship through Jesus. He loved us enough to wait for just the right time to send His son. The price was high for our sin, but God willingly sent His Son to pay our penalty with His blood so that we could be called his sons and daughters.
No matter the cost, the waiting, the rejection, my friends were eager to make these two brothers their sons. Those boys were sought after, loved unconditionally, and forever chosen by their parents. God’s great love and immense power were demonstrated when he sought us and chose us to be a part of His family before the world began.No matter the cost, He was willing to give His precious son so that you could know His personal love and redemption. When we become His children, He wants us to join Him in His duties, His Kingdom work. What a privilege to work alongside God as His children!
More Questions:
- Has anyone ever made you feel like a part of their family? How did that make you feel?
- What rights, privileges, and duties do you have as a child of God?
Prayer:
Lord, you are a good and loving Father. Repeatedly, your power through time and circumstances amazes me, and your personal care humbles me. Thank you for adopting me as your child. I want to honor you with my life, so I ask that you continue to grow me and guide me. Lord, let me be a light to those who do not know you as Father yet. Let me love with intention and purpose. I ask these things in your name. Amen.
Author: Amy Fontenot