Adoption

“Just as he chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless before him in love. He destined us for adoption as his children through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace that he freely bestowed on us in the Beloved.”

Ephesians 1:4-6

Over a year ago, some of my dear friends worked with the foster care system in their local town and decided to take care of two young siblings who were coming out of a rough situation. It was a bumpy first few months as this couple welcomed the brother and sister into their home and daily routine.  The children had experienced past trauma, and this only made the transition that much more tumultuous. As Paul says in 1 Corinthians 13, love has a persistent nature to it and my friends took on the role of a servant daily as they cared for these two children.

After a lot of prayer, the couple took the next step with these children, who became an inextricable part of their life. A month ago, they adopted them. There would no longer be any lingering questions for these kids if this would be their last stop or not. They had found a home forever.

Their adoption ceremony took place at a courthouse on a Friday. And that Sunday they were baptized by my friend (their new dad), who is a Presbyterian minister. These children got the full experience of adoption in one weekend. They were welcomed into a family that will love them all the days of their lives and they can be certain that they have parents who will be there for them through the highs and lows of life.

Simultaneously, they were welcomed into a much larger family that spans the globe, the living and the dead. They were told that they have a Savior who will never leave them nor forsake them. The earthly family they were given on Friday was a profound gift; but coming out of those baptismal waters on Sunday, they were given an even greater gift.

You and I have been adopted into the household of God through Jesus’ abundant grace and mercy. We forget that at times, and claim it as if it is our birthright. May we never forget the costly love of our Savior, who went to the ends of death so that we may be adopted into His family and so that we may sit at His table. We can be proud that we are adopted.