City Life Starter

Written by Megan Meier

The Word

“…having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved. In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace which He made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence…”

Ephesians 1:5-8a (NKJV)

“Long, long ago he decided to adopt us into his family through Jesus Christ. (What pleasure he took in planning this!) He wanted us to enter into the celebration of his lavish gift-giving by the hand of his beloved Son. Because of the sacrifice of the Messiah, his blood poured out on the altar of the Cross, we’re a free people—free of penalties and punishments chalked up by all our misdeeds. And not just barely free, either. Abundantly free! He thought of everything, provided for everything we could possibly need…”

Ephesians 1:5-8a (The Message)

Reflection

It is easy to focus on the word “predestined” and lose the main purpose of what Paul wanted to say. A simple understanding is that God knows everything and we do not. If God revealed Himself to us through the Holy Spirit and we accept Jesus’ sacrifice for our sins, then we can safely say that we are adopted as sons and daughters. God is the parent who adopts unruly children (us), whether we are outright deviant or do what is right for the wrong reasons, loves us, and leads us to His arms.

The Greek word for “adoption to sonship” is Huiothesia, and refers to the full legal standing of an adopted heir, the same standing as a blood child. We were adopted by the King of kings and Lord of lords and it took the blood of His Son to bring us back and share in the family inheritance of Heaven. 

Why did God save us, or even bother bringing us into existence if He knew much of His creation would go the wrong way? The pleasure He took in His children was (and still is) greater than the pain of rejection. The only condition to adoption is acceptance of Jesus as Lord and Savior. God has more than enough blessings to go around, He’s overflowing with them! After all, He’s the King of kings! 

Application

Do you know anybody who isn’t part of the family of God? Tell them about Him, in words and actions. And pray for this person too. Your love for this person can help lead them into God’s arms. 

Prayer

Dear Lord, please lead me to somebody who needs You. Grant me the right words to tell this person about You, whether in word or deed or both. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.