One of the greatest quests for most people I know is to discover “who they are.” They question, “Who am I, and what am I doing here?” Their lives are filled with wonder as they try to discover their purpose for being in the first place and then whether or not they are doing what they should be doing. Some of them identify themselves by their vocation or occupation. Others offer their status or wealth. Still more “find themselves” according to their education, level of civic involvement or lack thereof such as a counter-culture group, but nonetheless, each person seems to desire to find their “being state.”
John the apostle helps all who will read his words today with a statement of identity that is second to none. He writes in First John chapter three and verse one:
Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knows us not, because it knew him not.
Yesterday we took a look together at the level of love the Father has toward us. His unconditional “agape'” love is extended to all who will receive it. He gave His Son Jesus as a substitute in death for our sins, and now, as though that is not enough, He adds that “we should be called the sons of God.” God's sons; God's daughters...amazing. We're God's kids. We're His children. Children of the Most High God because of what Jesus did for us.
Do we really understand the significance of this? Can we fathom the depth of this fellowship and commitment? I think not, but I shall try to help us. Paul the apostle wrote in the book of Romans chapter eight and verses fourteen through seventeen;
For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself bears witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with [him], that we may be also glorified together.
John says we're God's children. Paul says we're God's children. In fact, Paul uses the word “abba” which means “Daddy” to show the intimacy that has been given.
Let me put it this way – Jesus is called the “King of Kings and Lord of Lords”. So let me ask, “what are kings kids called?” Princes and Princesses right? In other words, you are reading the words of none other than “Prince Ray, son of the living God!”, and I am writing to none other than Prince ______ (You fill in the blank) and Princess _________ (Again, fill in the blank). This is the marvel of who we are. God loves us all so much that not only did He send His Son Jesus to die on the cross for our sins, but now because of His sacrifice we become the Princes and Princesses of the Almighty King of Kings! I don't know if I have written anything more exciting than these words. Oh what grace! Oh what joy! Oh what forfeiture of confusion and trouble over who I am and who we are! No one can add to such a stature, and no one will ever be able to remove it! We are the “Princes and Princesses” of God, and all because of God's amazing grace and love toward all who will receive Him as Savior and Lord.
Next time we shall discuss the reaction of the world to our status, so read ahead, and we shall share together then.
Until tomorrow...there is more...
Look for the new devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore
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