adoption – Family Worship Center Devotionals

With all the benefits that go with it…

The Bible has several stories of adoption. Moses was adopted by Pharaoh’s daughter. Esther was adopted by Mordecai. Jesus was treated as a son by Joseph, even though Joseph was not his biological father.

Adoption is amazing. It turns strangers into family and turns orphans into sons and daughters. But the deepest, strongest, and most amazing act of adoption is not when people adopt children, but when God adopts people.

For it was always in his perfect plan to adopt us as his delightful children, through our union with Jesus, the Anointed One…and this unfolding plan brings him great pleasure!
Ephesians 1:5-6

We are more than just God’s creation. We are more than just his servants. And God is more than just our judge. He is our father. When we give our lives to Jesus, we become part of God’s family, with all the benefits and rights that come with being his adopted child. Our God-planned destiny from the beginning was to be adopted into his family.

It’s hard to believe, but it gives God great joy and pleasure to adopt us. We weren’t cute, cuddly, and captivating. On the contrary, we were a mess. We were all born with evil, selfish natures. Our lives expressed the depravity inside us, as we pursued any wicked thought springing from our selfish nature. We deserved God’s anger. Yet, when we were unlovable, he still loved us. God loved us so much that he adopted us. He made us his very own children.

What does that mean? When someone adopts a child, they make that child part of their family forever. They give that child their family name, invest their time in that child, bear the necessary costs to support that child, and make that child an heir of their estate. Adopting a child is a huge, weighty, life-altering decision.

God made that decision for us from the beginning. He knew how much trouble we would be and the price it would cost, but he never wavered. He adopted us and gave us the right to call him, “Daddy.” He didn’t do it out of obligation or pity. Our heavenly Father adopted us out of love. We are part of the family of God, dearly loved, forever.

If you are a Christian, you are a child of the living God, adopted into his family. Because you are his child, God loves you, protects you, and provides for you. He will never leave you. He will hear and answer your prayers. He will make a way for you. Always. That’s what a good father does…and God is a very good father.

Father, I am thankful to be adopted into your family. I’m overwhelmed that you loved me enough to adopt me and make me your child. I want to grow into your image. Thank you for your grace, your presence, and your overwhelming love. In Jesus’s name, amen.

Royalty

“So, do not be afraid, little flock, for it gives the Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom.” (Luke 12:32)

What do we think of when we hear the word, “kingdom?”

Some of us will immediately think of Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. It enthralls millions of visitors each year with parades, fantasy, music, fireworks, and imaginative attractions like Space Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean, and the Jungle Cruise. They call it, “the happiest place on earth,” but it’s only good for as long as your ticket lasts.

Some of us might think of a country, such as the United Kingdom, home of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip, and Prince William and Princess Kate. They have crowns and castles, tiaras and titles. Royalty undoubtedly has some pretty sweet perks, but to be royal in the UK, one must marry a royal or be born to royal parents.

Maybe, just maybe, we think of the Kingdom more amazing than any other—God’s Kingdom. Righteousness, peace, and joy overflow in God’s Kingdom (Romans 14:17). The Kingdom brings healing (Luke 10:9) and breaks demonic strongholds (Luke 11:20). Those who focus on the Kingdom find all their needs are supplied (Matthew 6:33).

In God’s Kingdom, we don’t have to be afraid in times of trouble because our Father offers us his presence, provision, and protection. We don’t have to fear sickness because healing flows in the Kingdom. We don’t have to fear death because citizens of the Kingdom have eternal life.

Unlike the Magic Kingdom, the Kingdom of God doesn’t require a ticket. And unlike the UK, we don’t have to be born a royal to be a citizen of God’s Kingdom. When we repented of our sins and accepted Jesus, God adopted us as his own. “God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure” (Ephesians 1:5). Out of his love for us, God adopted us. We became children of the King and a citizen of the Kingdom, with all the privileges that come along with citizenship.

So, where’s our focus today? Are we troubled by our problems? Are we worried, stressed, or afraid of what we see happening in our world? Have we forgotten who we are…and whose we are?

“The Lord has established His throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all” (Psalm 103:19).

It’s time to lift up our heads and look beyond our circumstances. We’re the chosen and cherished children of the King, and he rules over all. We’re dearly loved. Our heavenly Father rejoices to give us the Kingdom.

Dear God, it is a privilege to be able to call you, “Father.” I am thankful to be your child, and to be a citizen of your Kingdom. In every situation, every circumstance, and every part of my journey, I will remember who I am. Let the righteousness, peace, joy, and power of the Kingdom live in my heart. In Jesus’s name, amen.

What is different in your life because you are a child of God? Leave a comment in the “Reply” section below.