We’re Adopted!
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“Long, long ago he decided to adopt us into his family through Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 1:5, The Message)
When he arrived in his new home in North America, he weighed far less than the average two-year-old. Lack of nutritional food had not only affected his weight, but from head to toe his skin was covered with scabs and lesions. His undeveloped core muscles caused frequent falls, even from a sitting position. He allowed his more active older sister to take the often aggressive lead in physical play.
But with wise parenting and skilled medical and psychological care, a mere four months later this little boy had clear skin and a full head of shining black hair. He ran and played with only the occasional tumble, was learning basic sign language as well as English. He devoured every morsel put on his plate. While he still has scars from his sad past, daily he is learning to be a participant in his new future.
This process is similar to what happens to a person who is adopted into God’s family. Influences, people, events—even abuse—from the past leave scars. But God stands ready to provide all that is necessary to transform us into “new creatures.”
We grow healthy by consistently feeding on God’s Word, the Bible. We even learn a new language: “with singing lips my mouth will praise you (Psalm 63:5). The Christian community encourages and often provides both physical and spiritual assistance that we cannot provide for ourselves. The Holy Spirit strengthens us so we can “run and not grow weary, walk and not faint” (Isaiah 40:31, NIV).
Parents are often amused to discover that a child has been adopted. “But he looks just like his father!” they say. Such is the situation for those of us adopted into the family of God. As time goes on, we adopted children (for such are we all) begin to take on the characteristics of our Heavenly Father. And we can hardly wait for new brothers and sisters!
My heart is full, precious Father. You have loved me so much that you have adopted me into your family before I even realized your love. Thank you.
Questions: What feelings does the word “adoption” raise in you? Why? Think about the word “chosen.” What is your response to God when you realize He has chosen you as his daughter or son?
About the Author Marilyn J. Ehle
7 Responses to “We’re Adopted!”
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What a great devotion thought! Praise the Lord we do not have to change to come to our Heavenly Father. He accepts us just the way we are, so He can mold us and make us into the vessel He has chosen us to be. God bless you!
I feel honored to know God has adopted me and that He grooms me daily as I read His word,He gently remove
Adoption means I am chosen by God. I take on the rights of being in the family of God. We are given a new nature and the old has past away!
adoption to me means hope. why? because of the concept of ‘adoption’.
my response was and still is, ”I am ever so grateful but why, why me and why now? and then I wait, hope, and listen
First I want to say, what an awesome article. Very simply put. I especially loved the part about the longer we are with God the more we look like him.
When I think of the word adoption, I associate it with abandonment. Sad that I think of the worst. Instead adoption should bring a feeling of acceptance.
When I realize that God has chosen me, I feel extremely lucky. Feels like I’ve won the lottery. I’m always telling myself that I’m not lucky and I never win anything, but I am. I won Jesus and He is all the luck I need.
thank you for giving me a lot to think about
Very good analogy and wonderful message- my we all strive to look more and more like our Abba Father, and our Brother with His nail scars.