Galatians 4:4-7
O: Sonship has always appealed greatly to me. I knew the story of the prodigal son before I was saved and the idea of a perfect, loving Father seemed too good to be true. To be inducted into sonship to God was well beyond my comprehension, let alone forgiveness for sins.
This passage I find is an excellent recap of what God did-quite literally, and why. God sent His Son, Jesus, under the same curse as every man at the time (the Law, which inevitably brought judgement upon every man) so that He would be the propitiation for all people's trangressions, thus redeeming them-but also so that those who were chosen to be redeemed would also be adopted as God's children. The Son for sons.
I can't explain why God sent His Son, or why He chose to be a father to such people. But when I hear someone say that God is a father to the fatherless, my soul really cries an amen-In my greatest time of need, God does not shut me down and say that I'm not good enough to come before Him-as He has paid the cost. The veil has been torn, and I know that I am a son, adopted by the Heavenly Father.
...Because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son in to our hearts, crying, "Abba! Father" Therefore you are no longer a slave, but a son; and if a son, then an heir through God.
"Abba," though phrased differently in Korean-literally means father (just an interesting fact). When I read that word, I think of...well "dad." Meaning God is not some regal, upright judge that aims to glean more evidence to condemn me, but rather an upright and holy judge that aims to correct me because He loves me.
I love my family, both my blood family and spiritual family. One day I hope that the two may just meld together to be my family. But, speaking as a son of God, I should always cherish the fact that sonship was not earned-but given as a gift to those who were shown unmerited favor by God through Christ.
A: Why should I be meek about my inheritance? A son delights in following a perfect Father-one who knows all, sees all, and has unlimited power. A holy Father should have holy sons, obedient to the ways He has laid out for them. Should my soul not cry out for my Father? How strange it would be to not know one's own Father or His embrace. I will take my place that which was given to me-knowing that no one can take away the joy and peace God gives me in the reassurance of Sonship and redemption in Christ. I will know and declare that I am a son (and be proud of it), redeemed and perfectly loved by my Father.
P: God, I still plod along, still not quite getting it, I think. But it certainly will not stop me from believing that You actually miss me-love me, and are reaching out to me even in this moment where I am so weary from the week's work and events-unwilling to see Your Son for who He is in these very words-the Word of God. I'm sorry-I totally suck. It's not getting any easier and I know there is no magical cure in tons of Bible reading that leaves most feeling dull and lifeless, even afterwards. But, remind me of Your cross-teach me to meditate on it day by day and reshape this heart back to You, Father-because, truth be told, I miss the feeling of sonship. Only when I'm with other brothers and sisters in Christ do I legitimately remember the feeling of being loved and so privileged to be caught in Your grace. Do me the honor of drowning in that love and grace, everyday-I want to feel Your very heart beat as I Seek you face to face...knowing that You seek me. Lord, help me-it's no easy task, but I want to take joy in You...peace in You, excitement and passion to serve You as well as to serve others...but mostly, just to run after You, Jesus. In Christ's name, amen.
Soli Deo Gloria
0 comments:
Post a Comment