“The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit
that we are God’s children”
(Romans 8:16)
Reflection:
There are good reasons for our being called the children of God. One is that after our re-birth we have to grow up into our new identity and relationships, and learn to live as a part of the new world into which God has introduced us. Another is that God wishes to reveal Himself and His great love to us through this image.
We are not born again as mature Christians and Jesus warns us not to over-complicate things in our still very human minds and understandings.
“I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:3)
Children also have a natural ability to expect good things from their parents. This passage from the Psalms ends with the lovely picture of a Father holding out His hand to His child, and waiting whilst they peel away the fingers to reveal the treasure that He has there for them.
“You will make known to me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever” (Psalm 16:11)
There is also the heart-lifting passage in Zephaniah where God reveals Himself as a Father comforting His child.
“The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing” (Zephaniah 3:17)
Then there is this passage in which God reveals that our names are forever in the scars on His palms, engraved there like deeply rooted tattoos in the hands of a proud dad.
“See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands” (Isaiah 49:16)
From the beginning to the never-end of our life in God each one of us is very special and greatly loved,
“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made … My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place …your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be” ( Psalm 139:14-16)
Response:
Allow the humbling and uplifting truth to delight you – My Father loves me with an everlasting love (Jeremiah 31:3)
Prayer:
My Father, You love me so much – and You have made me Your beloved child and heir. Help me to receive and rejoice in Your love and to live it out every day. Amen.
———————–
The Soaring Eagle 