Adopted as Son

“For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, ‘Abba! Father!’” Romans 8:15

My mother was adopted. I discovered this when I was in my twenty’s. Learning of my mother’s adoption was a rather shocking moment for me, and I never did understand why she chose to hide this from me for so long.

As the story goes, my grandfather purchased her from a prostitute, who did not want her any longer. After two years of legal work, he finally completed a very complicated legal process that allowed him to bring her into his home.

I cannot imagine how my mother processed this as she came to learn about her unwanted childhood. But two caring parents who could not have kids “adopted” and “purchased” a child that was unwanted by a mother who lived in sin. My grandparents provided her with a shelter, love, and acceptance, all of which my mother eventually rejected and despised into her adulthood. Imagine that. Rejecting love that is yours freely.

God extends these same riches to us as men. A home, love, and acceptance, but also His Spirit as proof of his adoption by which we have the strength to call on his name. As you go about your day consider the fact that God calls you son and He empowers you to call him Father.

DO THIS TODAY: Call on your true Father in prayer for the next few minutes.