John 1:1-14
To really dive into these 14 verses would mean that this would be a very, very long blog post. Scholars have written many books about John 1. I'm going to spend the next few minutes with you looking at verses 12 and 13:
Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God - children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God.
I am the oldest child of three, born to parents who were thrilled to start their family. My mom and dad decided they wanted to have children. That's how many of us got our start in this world. Some of us were 'surprises,' delightful ones at that. Others were born before our birth mother or father was ready to be a parent, and we were adopted into families who for one reason or another couldn't have children biologically. Some of us had happy childhoods; some of us had awful, terrible, traumatic childhoods. But all of us were born. And all of us were children.
Look at these verses closely - what John is telling us here is that Jesus offers us a very different opportunity from our birth family or our adoptive family. When we believe in his name, he gives us the right to become children of God.
Let that sink in for a while. Let it settle on your heart, in your mind. You - yes, you, are a Child of God. A longed for, adored, cherished, Child of God. You make that decision, and God welcomes you as his child.
Take a minute and read these words from Timothy Keller, pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian in New York City, on the Seven Breathtaking Privileges of Being a Child of God. You will be refreshed, encouraged, and you will be blessed.
https://www.thegoodbook.com/blog/interestingthoughts/2016/12/08/seven-breathtaking-privileges/
Lord, you are my father, and I am your child. You died for me. You cherish me. thank you for the privilege, and fill me with your grace and truth. Amen.
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