Your Identity – Not What People See Or Think - Day 3
OPENING PRAYER:
Father, it is a privilege to call you Father. Help me to understand and accept all that Your Word says is true about our relationship. In Jesus name, Amen
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. Ephesians 1:3-6 NIV
REFLECT:
What a statement of praise to God and it is about believers in Christ! In fact, the above verses (as well as the next eight verses, not included) are one long and incredible sentence in the Greek text. The Apostle Paul, the writer of Ephesians, does not want us to miss who we are – according to God Himself. This is the identity of all who are Christ-followers. We could spend so much time here but the one word that sticks out here for me today is “adoption.” It is a permanent transfer to enjoy the “liberties and privileges of the children of God.” (The Century Dictionary) This adoption decision began before the “creation of the world” and fully in God’s will, choice, and pleasure.
APPLY:
If you are close to anyone who has been legally adopted, I am sure you are familiar with some of the issues that can be present. There can be times of doubt as to value, worth, and permanence, questions not on the part of the adopter but the adopted. They are quite natural and real because of this messed up world. The adopted sometimes cannot accept their position or will push to believe a difference exists between themselves and any natural born sons and daughters. Patient assurances, loving care, and time can change doubts to full acceptance. However, in the end the adopted child must either believe and accept the word of the father/mother or not. If you have asked Christ Jesus to be your Savior, the God of the Universe says that you are His child. Will you accept the Word of the Father, your Father, by His choice, will and pleasure? Identity determines our behavior. If you believe you are an adopted child of the King, you will live like it.
CLOSING PRAYER:
Father, as Your child today I want to exclaim that I love You and accept all that You have for me in Christ. Help me to live today in thought, speech, and action as a child of the King. In Jesus name, Amen.
WORSHIP: