Being adopted myself, I think there is no greater gift than our adoption into the family of God. Adoption – especially into Jesus’ family – is life changing. In Paul’s day, if a well-to-do man had no sons, he could not pass on his wealth. He would select a household slave to adopt as a son. A slave had been captured in war, owed a debt, or was an orphan. No hope. No future. But when that slave became a son, the debt was wiped out and replaced with all the privileges of sonship.


Each of us has been taken captive by the sin of our hearts. But our debt now is paid. We’re orphans no longer. We have a hope and a future… as Christ’s beloved adopted ones.


We don’t have an Anne of Green Gables adoption. When Anne was told, “We’ll keep you for a trial period and see if this works out,” she lived in constant fear of messing up. Not so with God! Once we are His, nothing can snatch us out of His hand! And because we are now sons and daughters, we begin to imitate our Father. Our life in Christ becomes a showcase for God’s grace!