Christian, You Are a Child of God

God says, “I will be your father, and you will be my sons and daughters.” This is not merely his earnest wish. This is his plan, his purpose, his will. It was none of your doing or deserving. In fact, you had run as far from him as you could get. You were living in the streets, homeless, fatherless. Do you remember? Have you come to believe that he called you to himself only for a moment, or only till the next time you falter and fail, or only till his love runs out or his attention is diverted?

His love does not run out. His attention is ever upon you, because he is your perfect father. Do you believe it? Do you believe that the one whom Jesus called Abba, Father, is your father as well? Do you believe that his arms are open wide? Do you believe he longs to comfort you, to shelter you? Do you believe he prizes intimate relationship with you? Christian, he is your loving father. He has declared it so, and he cannot lie. Why do you wonder? Why do you fear?

The Scripture says that it was the Father’s will to make Jesus first among many brothers and sisters. And Jesus himself said, “I go to prepare a place for you in my Father’s household.” These are not empty promises. God Almighty has declared it. He has given you a name, set aside for you an inheritance, and poured into your hands a foretaste of his fortune. Christian, you are a child of God.