Adopted

Today’s Encouragement is Ephesians 1:5 NLT 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.

Adopted –

(continuing – Who I Am in Christ)

He entered the animal shelter and slowly walked through the long rows of abandoned, examining closely each sad-eyed lonely orphan.  Until he came to ‘the one’ and as their eyes met, a spark flew, the glimpse of recognition. The orphan felt a flash of hope and sat up, intently expectant.  The price was paid, the door was opened, and the lonely, sad-eyed orphan was embraced in the loving arms of its master. 

We certainly aren’t pets.  But the parallel of pet adoption brings some powerful ideas to the reality of our adoption as sons and daughters of the Living God. 

A few thoughts:

He had many to choose from; yet He chose you!

The decision was His; we depend completely on His choice.

He chose you based on His criteria; He knows exactly what He’s looking for.

We are orphans in this world, lost and alone, imprisoned by sin, in need of a savior to pay the price for us, to free us; and He is That Savior.

What’s more, we are adopted into His family and blessed immeasurably, out of our poverty and into His lavish grace and love.

And on and on it goes… more than we can ever ask or even imagine.

Father God, thank You for adopting us, choosing us from the infinite others, and bringing us into the blessings of Your family.  You are so merciful and kind.

Lord You’ve Been Good to Me

by Graham Kendrick w/ Martin Smith