"Complete Access"
Jun. 22, 2019
See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know Him. Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when He appears we shall be like Him, because we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who thus hopes in Him purifies himself as He is pure.
~ 1 John 3:1-3 (ESV)
For those who grew up in dysfunctional or unstable households, "home" was an uncertain place. Rather than being a refuge, it may have been negatively charged with unrest and anxiety. Instead of a place one can't wait to get back to, it was a place one can't wait to get out of. Unfortunately, this is the situation for far too many throughout the world.
Thankfully, this is not the case with our God and Father. The home He makes has been thoughtfully prepared. It is a place where we know we are welcome, accepted, and loved because Jesus Himself will be there. Restitution to our heavenly home is the greatest proof we have of the merciful love of our eternal Father. There has never been, nor will there be, such love in the world. We can find great examples of sacrificial, matrimonial, fraternal, filial, and paternal love, but God's love is immeasurable.
And to think, now we are called "children of God"! Our Father in heaven doesn't withhold good things from us. And because He does not, He has sought us and paid the price of our redemption—nothing less than the blood of His own Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. The Father, who has not denied us even His own Son, "will He not also with Him graciously give us all things?" (Romans 8:32b). Isn't this wonderful? We have been restored to our eternal home, and all our rights as children are in place. The inexhaustible treasure of the immense riches of our Father is now ours.
As children with all spiritual and material rights and privileges, the Father has given us divine blessings so necessary for our soul at all times. We also have the blessing of prayer, prayer in the Name of Christ. Didn't the Lord tell us, "Whatever you ask in My Name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son"? (John 14:13) How great are the gifts God gives to us! How benevolent He is to us His children.
THE PRAYER: Heavenly Father, we thank You for welcoming us into Your kingdom—both here on earth and the one You have waiting for us, purchased through the blood of Jesus. In His Name we pray. Amen.
Reflection Questions:
- How was life growing up in your family?
- What keeps the world from knowing God?
- As a child of God, do you try to let others know who your Father is?
A sermon excerpt from Rev. Dr. Andrew Melendez, former Speaker of The Lutheran Hour. Use these devotions in your newsletter and bulletin! Used by permission; all rights reserved by the Int'l LLL (LHM).
How was life growing up in your family?
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