July 24
2 Chron 11:1-13:22 | PS 18:37-50 | Prov 19:27-29 | Rom 8:26-39
My parents were wonderful. They had me later in life, my mother 45 and my father close to 50. When I was born into the family I had all the rights and privileges as my older siblings. I always felt secure and loved. Unfortunately, as is often the case, I am orphaned now as both have passed away. As much as they loved me they could not ever promise that they would never leave me. About 30 years ago I was adopted into a new family. I didn’t have to sign any forms and there were no qualifications necessary. I simply had to realize that I was not as good as I thought that I was. The only qualification to being adopted was seeing my own unworthiness and God’s worthiness. I simply had to repent or change my mind about my sinful ways. I didn’t have to promise that I would never sin again, since both my Father and I know that is a promise I could never keep. So, I was adopted. As opposed to my loving earthly father who had no choice but to leave me, I now have a Heavenly Father who will never leave me. In fact, with Jesus Christ as my co-heir, though I will never be as good as Him, I have been given all the rights and privileges as all of my fellow co-heirs. Though I am unrighteous and unworthy, my new family now sees me and declares that I am both worthy and righteous, based on what Jesus has done for me. When I step back and think for a moment, why wouldn’t everyone want to be adopted into God’s family?
What are some of these rights? In Romans 8:1, we read, “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.” In my new family, though my Father may have to convict me as any loving father must, He will never condemn me or declare me guilty. In 8:14-17 we read, “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “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 joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.” But some might say isn’t everyone born, God’s child? Sadly, the answer is no. Though we are all God’s creation, only those who seek adoption actually become His children. He has no grandchildren, so godly parents can lead you, but ultimately each of us must make that decision. Abba means Daddy. Our relationship with Him is loving and personal, not cold, formal, and distant. An amazing part of becoming a member of God’s family is that it is permanent. We read in Romans 8:35-39, “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?...For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
So, what are you waiting for? My family is big, but we always have room for another brother or sister. Though you might have a good family, mine is better. You might have a good father, but my Father is not only good, but He is perfect. You might think that you have everything you might ever want or need. But my Father not only provides what I need on earth, but He has guaranteed me great things, beyond my wildest imagination, in eternity. The best part is my family will never leave me or ask me to leave. My Father knows what is best for me, even when I don’t. Once you are adopted, you can reach out to everyone else that you know and invite them into our family. With so many distractions, so much anger and turmoil, so many difficult decisions to make, why not make the easiest decision of your life. A life as God’s adopted child will bring clarity, fulfillment, stability, and peace. If you are already part of my family we can all look on together and wait with excitation as our Father’s plan continues to move forward. If not, please accept my invitation. If you have any questions about what this means, please feel free to reach out.
Messages from Pastor Lloyd Pulley: