Divine Family

Yet to all who received him [Jesus],

to those who believed in his name,

he gave the right to become children of God—

children born not of natural descent,

nor of human decision

or a husband's will,

but born of God.

[Jn 1:12-13]

I made a concious choice to live a life to please my Heavenly Father over my earthly one. Entrusting myself to Him as The Perfect Father that loves unconditionally and without fault. That is a choice I had to continue to make even after my earthly father passed from this life.

This is especially necessary if your earthly father is in moral opposition to God's standard and if his beliefs are contrary biblically. This can be an emotionally difficult decision; however, forsaking the one for The Other can break some pretty strong chains.

For one raised in a dysfunctional home (and I'm beginning to believe most of us are) it is powerful to learn the truth that in Christ I have been adopted by God into His family and made an heir of His heavenly kingdom and co-heir with Christ [Rm 8:17; Gal 4:7]. That sure changes a lot of things! But will I live like it?

It changes my views of who I am, to Whom I belong, and my standing in the church -- adding value and significance to an otherwise dismal existence. In view of this most gracious and merciful family elevation, it increases my desire to love, obey, and serve my Father and esteem the favor of my Brother.

You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus,
for all of you who were baptized into Christ
have clothed yourselves with Christ.
[Gal 3:26-27]

In the context of the Galatian's passage above, it was necessary for Paul to explain that the Gentile's in Christ had full rights to God's promise. This leveled the playing field between the Jews and Gentiles, for no longer would there be an ethnic distinction or favortism. Christ fulfilled the Abrahamic promise for God's blessing upon all nations. This adoption unites me to a larger family of brothers and sisters across every nationality. I am also to realize I am in no way inferior to another adopted sibling.

Costs must be counted in this decision, however. At times, this family association might bring suffering or even persecution [ref Jn 15:18-25; 16:33]. I am likely to receive hostility from this world with this identification. This can easily be countered with the fact that God is a Father of justice.

Consider that, as sons, God's disciplines us as such. While not always pleasant, it carries eternal blessing and is always for our good [Heb 12:4-7]. All the while remembering that He is merciful, loving, and good.

Also with this family tie comes the responsibility of family resemblance. We are called to reflect the glory of a Righteous Father. To do so requires that we daily deny ourselves and carry our cross; serving one another in love according to His example.

Finally, there is the call to consecration; living holy lives pleasing to God and striving to maintian a pure heart. Keeping in mind that the Holy Spirit makes this possible.

All this is not to say that this royal family position is to be earned. It is a gift by God's grace through the adoption price paid by none other than Jesus.

Consider each family obligation and notice how God counters each one. Would you still say yes?

We can proclaim that our Father hung the moon, knows each star by name, and is boundless. He has a huge family, a heavenly home, and is captured by the heart of a child. Our Father heals the wounds from broken families, empties tombs, raises the dead to new life, and is mighty to save. Does that not build humble confidence to go out into the world? Doesn't that fill that need of belonging? Does that not cure a lot of woes?

Would you transfer sonship from the earthly to the Godly?

Father of all Creation; In Christ, we have been reunited as family and made sons and daughters of the Most High God to love one another as You have taught. May we represent you well in this world as we use Your strength to help You gather Your children unto Yourself.

"I will be a Father to you,

and you will be my sons and daughters,

says the Lord Almighty."

[2 Cor 6:18]

2009 Continuing Series ~ Transference
Based on John 3:30: "Jesus must increase, I must decrease"