The third Sunday in June is always observed as Father’s Day and is a time when we should be especially grateful for those individuals God put in our lives as our male parents. What a blessing to have had a godly father who loved his Lord, his wife, and his children. If God blessed you in this way, be sure to thank Him for this very special gift and honor your father whether living or dead.
Father’s Day also reminds us of our relationships with our Heavenly Father. Even and perhaps especially for those who didn’t have a godly father, it’s a blessing to know God stands ready adopt all who wish to be a part of His family.
Becoming adopted involves a completely new life in many regards. Adopted orphans begin living in new homes that usually far surpass anything they have previously known. In addition, adopted children come under the care and protection of their new parents. They are not only cared for physically, but those children move under the legal, financial, and emotional umbrellas of their parents.
They are also cared for relationally by moms and dads who have intentionally chosen to love them as their very own, for that is what they have become. This, perhaps, is the greatest benefit of adoption: being loved and cherished as gifts from God.
Adopted children also receive their new parents’ surnames, thus becoming identified with them from that day forward. They become the son or daughter of so-and-so and bear the new family name. They are connected legally and relationally. The reputation and character of their parents also now applies to them and vice versa.
The adoptive process helps us to grasp a bit of what God does for all who come into His family. We do indeed come under His physical protection regarding health and safety, but he also provides for us financially and emotionally. Even though our original spiritual father, Satan, may try to reassert his rights, He is unable to do so for our new Father has already sealed the deal!
In addition, we become identified with our Heavenly Father, His Kingdom, and His people. What a blessing to be known as a child of God! We were once not a people; now we are the people of God. But we are not His only children for He has adopted millions of others. As such, we are to love and cherish our adoptive brothers and sisters and we can enjoy their love and support in return.
Adoption was also common in the ancient world and in Galatians 3:26-4:7, Paul talks about some of the blessings that God’s children receive. He describes a situation where occasionally slaves would be adopted as sons and how that process completely transformed their lives.
Paul indicates that one of the most exciting aspects of our adoption as God’s children involves our inheritance. We become heirs of God and joint-heirs with Jesus. Thankfully, our Heavenly Father will never die but rather shares His resources with His children. Not only do we get to enjoy many of these benefits now, but we look forward to the fullness of our inheritance when we pass through eternity’s door to spend forever in His presence!
The entire futures of many orphans have been completely transformed by their adoptions and this could not be more true for God’s children. We have moved from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of light. We were once foundlings without hope and now we have both hope and a future! We are perfectly and eternally loved by the Author of love.
As we celebrate our earthly fathers and thank God for them this weekend, let’s contemplate the benefits we receive from the adoption by our Heavenly Father. Most importantly, if you’ve never been adopted, receive God’s Son as your Savior that you might be accepted and adopted by His Father as well!
Blessings, George