Read
Ephesians 1:3-14 (NIV)
For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In lovehe predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will – to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. Vs. 4-6 

 Reflect
Adoption is not a new concept in our family.  Four of our five children are adopted and this year we have applied to adopt another son. At a family gathering I spoke with one individual and mentioned that we were in the process of adopting our foster son who is almost 18 years old now. Her question took me by surprise: “Why would you want to adopt him now that he is almost an adult?” 

It took me all of a second to respond: “Because we love him and want him to have a family forever.” Paul is telling us in Ephesians 1 that God in all of his infinite wisdom and perfect foreknowledge adopted us. Why would he do that when he knew that we could never live a perfect life, we could never meet the standards of an almighty, all powerful God who is full of glory, majesty and is perfect in all his ways? Paul does not use any of those attributes or character traits to help us understand this adoption. 

Paul uses a number of descriptors of God to help us understand his reason for adopting us. In love he predestined us for adoption ..” “with his pleasure and will…” Through Jesus, God expressed his unfathomable love for his children – that would be you and me and many, many more. 

It truly is humbling to know that God could love me that much. It is truly amazing that Jesus loved us so much that he was willing to endure the cross for us, to bear our sin. We ARE daughters and sons of the Most High God, loved by him, forgiven by him through Jesus, adopted lovingly into his family. 

Pray 
Father thank you for your incredible love for me. I am humbled by your willingness to make me a child in your family. Help me to live in a manner that will bring honour to your name. Amen. 

You Have Been Chosen

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