"How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!" (1 John 3:1)
God's essential nature is love. How wonderful that expression of that nature toward us in that God Himself would be to us our Father. Not a dictator, not a tyrant, not a ruthless ruler, but as our God He also becomes toward us our Father. This means an intimate, loving relationship where He cares for, provides, teaches, shares His riches with and dwells with us. The perfect Father.
Those in Christ are said to be "adopted" by God:
Ephesians 1:4For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 5he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— 6to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. 7In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace 8that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding.
How marvelous that by believing in His Son, he bestows upon us "sonship" in which "we might receive the full rights of sons" (Galatians 4:5). In doing so, he has made us holy--set apart for special honor. In adopting us, He is said to be "lavishing" love upon us. Imagine that glory, to be lavished with the love of God! Why does he do such an awesome thing? Because He is good.
Therefore, let us give Him sacred honor in our hearts, elevating our affection toward Him to the level of worship! Let us not forget or treat as a common thing the love that is lavished upon us but let us consider Him holy. Let us set him apart for sacred honor.
O Lord God, what an awesome privilege to have you as Father. Increase my faith by your Spirit that this gift might not become "normal" but continually bring joy and a sense of awe of your great love!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment