Orphans No Longer

FOCUS TEXT

Romans 8:14-17

For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, "Abba! Father!" The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with Him in order that we may also be glorified with Him.

DAILY BYTE

(Today’s BDC is written by Kayleen Wrigley)

During our recent trip to the Clouds of Hope orphanage in the Underberg, I was freshly reminded of God’s loving role as our Father. Whether we choose to admit it or not, we resemble orphans in various aspects of our spiritual walk. Without the grace of a loving God who willingly sent His Son to die for our sins, we are mere orphans with no father and no inheritance.

Because of His unfailing love and compassionate nature, God decided in advanced to adopt us as His own, welcoming us as members of His royal family. As Ephesians 1:5 says, “He predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of His will.” Through the death of Jesus Christ on the cross, we are able to enjoy a relationship with the God of the universe as our very own Father. Not only does Jesus’ death create a means for us to be adopted as God’s own children, it also gives us the assurance of an inheritance (eternal life) in Him. We are no longer orphans with no hope and no inheritance. We are sons and daughters of the most high God. We are now free to run into His arms and call Him Daddy. What an honour and a privilege to know the King of the Universe as our very own Father!

What, then, does our Heavenly Father require of us? To be His hands and feet, caring for the orphans of this broken world, showing them the perfect love given to us by our perfect Father.

PRAY AS YOU GO

Abba, Father, Thank-You for Your compassionate love and Your willingness to adopt us, mere sinners, into Your Holy Family. Thank-You that You sent Your Son, Jesus Christ, to die for our sins so that we could enjoy a relationship with You as our Heavenly Father. Thank-You for making us Your heirs and for granting us an inheritance. What a joy to spend eternity bringing glory to the King of kings and the Lord of lords. Father, please equip us to reach out to the lost in this broken world, so that they, too, may enjoy adoption into Your family. We praise You, Father, for all that You are, and for all that You have done. Amen.