Sons Indeed

Last week I had an interesting discussion with two of my friends on the subject of adoption. Both of their families are considering adopting and they were discussing the benefits of their various options. One of them was hoping to adopt from an international orphanage where they knew, if left on their own, children would have a very low chance of survival. The other was hoping to adopt in America where orphanages are substantially more efficient, but he and his wife were planning to seek out a minority child who had little chance of actually being adopted due to the color of his/her skin. In both of these men I saw a selflessness that flowed from a genuine love for God and people created in His image.

Since that conversation, it has been interesting for me to consider how helpless these children are whether they are here in the US or far away in some distant land. There is quite simply nothing they can do to earn the love of either of my two friends or to gain their acceptance. They are far away. They have no means of reaching them. And they have little to offer them in return. If either of my friends ever do welcome some orphaned child into their respective families, it will be solely the result of their own initiative and grace.

Stop and think about that truth for a minute....and then listen to these beautiful words from the Apostle Paul:

"For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, "Abba Father." The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God" (Romans 8:15-16)

Wow....

Matt Haste
College & Singles Minister