Words from the Rock
I have revealed you to the ones you gave me from this world. They were always yours. You gave them to me, and they have kept your word. Now they know that everything I have is a gift from you, for I have passed on to them the message you gave me. They accepted it and know that I came from you, and they believe you sent me.
John 17:6–8 NLT
Everyone has an innate longing to be part of a supportive, loving family. A few people are fortunate enough to enjoy a real sense of that kind of family here on earth. Maybe they’re born into one, or they’re adopted somewhere along the line. Or perhaps they figure out how to put together a family of their own making—a family of dear friends who are as close as blood relatives. Anyone who’s included in a loving family appreciates its value and importance. Even those with slightly dysfunctional families probably wouldn’t trade them in.
Yet for many people, and for many reasons, being part of a loving family is just a dream—an impossible dream. Some people live their entire lives feeling like they’re on the outside looking in, and they experience loneliness whenever they see what appears to be a healthy and loving family.
God understands this. That’s why it was so important for Jesus to come to earth and to accomplish his mission of introducing everyone to God. This was God’s way to ensure that we all have a chance to be part of an incredibly, amazingly, miraculously loving family—his family. He gathers up all his children and welcomes us into his phenomenal family, and when the time is right, he brings us home to live with him and with Jesus throughout eternity. One great big happy family!
But it’s even better than that—you can actually experience this sense of family right here and now. Once you become God’s child, you’re automatically linked to millions of spiritual brothers and sisters here on earth. You’re no longer on the outside looking in—you are part of God’s amazing family right now!
My Prayer
Dear God,
Thank you for adopting me into your incredible family. Help me to love my spiritual brothers and sisters the way you have loved me.
Amen.
Final Word
By faith we have been made acceptable to God. And now, because of our Lord Jesus Christ, we live at peace with God.
Romans 5:1 CEV
Stone for the Journey
I am part of God’s family.