Children

Read: John 14:4-7

Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. If you had really known me, you would know who my Father is.” John 14:6-7

IN WORD

God called Israel His “son” at times in the Old Testament (Exodus 4:22-23, for example), an image that has connotations of familial love, permanence, and inheritance. He even inspired prophets to portray His maternal love (Isaiah 49:15; 66:13; Hosea 11:3-4). The New Testament picks up the theme of His parenthood but applies it more directly to us as individuals. Jesus told us to pray to our Father in heaven. Paul wrote about how we have been adopted as children and how the Spirit has put into our hearts the instinct to call God “Father.” We are even given full freedom to consider God as our “abba,” our papa, our intimately connected parent with all the care and comfort that relationship provides. We aren’t just sheep or servants or even friends. We are part of the family.

As members of the royal family, we have privileges. Unlike dignitaries seeking audience with a president or prime minister, we have access to the King at any time. We have the knowledge that He is looking out for our best interests in every area of life. We can live life freely and securely in His love, without fear of being forgotten or forsaken. And we have an inheritance that is bigger than we can imagine and that lasts forever.

Yes, those are the family perks, or at least a few of them. But greater than the privileges and inheritance is simply the fact that God chooses to relate to us on family terms, without considering whether we deserve that relationship or not. Like a strong father who gets on the floor to relate to his toddler, He comes down to our level to discuss, encourage, make decisions, and envision plans together. He lets us be at home with Him.

IN DEED

It’s good to remember the majesty of God and bow before Him in awe, but never let that side of the relationship overshadow the intimate warmth of His love. Kingdom citizens are simultaneously servants, friends, and family members. Live each role to the fullest.

ADDITIONAL READING: Matthew 6:9

Whoever God adopts for His child . . . not only bears his heavenly Father’s name, but His image.

THOMAS WATSON