Tuesday January 25, 2022

Adopted !

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Since he loved us, he destined us in advance to be his children whom he wanted to adopt through Jesus Christ. This is what, in his goodness, he willed for us so that we may celebrate the glory of his grace which he granted us in his beloved Son. Ephesians 1.5-6

When God says we are adopted, we are not just tolerated, we are highly favored. We are the object of his personal attention and loving care. We are number one on his priority list in the Universe.

He doesn't push us into a corner saying : "Wait, I'm busy, I don't have time for you right now" or "Don't make a sound, daddy is sleeping." He says : "I'm interested in you, I want you. You're welcome, I've been waiting a long time for you to come."

This is how the father acts in the story of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32). He was waiting outside for his son to come back. The others didn't have to say : "You know, your son is coming home." He was the first to know ; he found out before the rest of the family. God's attitude toward us through Christ is the same. We are not rejects. We are not second-class citizens. We are not servants.

When the prodigal son returned, he wanted to be a servant. He said : "Father, treat me as one of your laborers." (Luke 15:19), but if you read the story carefully, you will notice that when the son confessed his sins, the father interrupted him and did not allow him to finish. He did not allow him to repeat : "Father, treat me as one of your workers."

On the contrary, he said : "Bring [quickly] the finest garment and put it on him ; put a ring on his finger and put sandals on his feet. Bring the calf that has been fattened and kill it ! Let's eat and rejoice , for this my son was dead and has come to life again, he was lost and is found." (Luke 15.22-24)

Listen the voice of God

Let's take the time to listen to what God wants to say. Run now into the arms of your Father ; He's waiting for you.

Praying is simple. Speak to God as you would your closest friend. God loves you and he can hear everything. Here is an example of a prayer : "Lord, thank you for adopting me and making me your son, your daughter. Even if my father or my mother abandoned me, you will never do it. Amen."

Praise God

To praise God is to express our gratitude to him. Today, what are your subjects of recognition ? Take a time to thank the Lord.

Act today

Now, deepen what you have received. What can you put in place to apply what God has told you ? Write down concrete actions you can take.

Honor the Lord

Our journey for the day ends. Let us pray together to honor our God.

"Heavenly Father, thank you, because today I can shout 'Abba, Father !' Thine be the reign, the power and the glory, amen !"

Derek Prince

Source (The Thought of the Day)