Devotional: A Real Family

Key Takeaways:

• God chose to adopt us as His children through Jesus Christ.
• Divine adoption brings God great pleasure and joy.
• Despite our flaws, God embraces us with unconditional love.
• Jesus’s sacrifice was the cost of our adoption into God’s family.
• Being part of God’s family offers a perfect, eternal relationship.

A Father’s Joy in Adoption

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ… In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will.” — Ephesians 1:3-5

In 2012, AdoptUSKids.org launched an ad campaign with a poignant message: “You don’t need to be perfect to be the perfect parent. Thousands of teens don’t need perfection; they just need you.” This sentiment sheds light on our perceptions of adoption, typically focusing on the needs of children longing for families. But what about the profound joy experienced by parents who choose to adopt?

Beyond Imperfection: Embracing the Unlikely

Often, the narrative around adoption centers on the desperation of orphans. Seldom do we reflect on the delight of adoptive parents pouring their love into a child they willingly embrace as their own. They not only welcome the child into their lives but revel in the opportunity to make them a real, loved part of their family.

Yet, some remain skeptical about adoption, questioning whether an adopted child can ever truly be treated the same as one of a couple’s own flesh and blood. This hesitation mirrors our own doubts about being fully accepted by others, especially when we see our imperfections so clearly.

God’s Delight in Choosing Us

In the season of Epiphany, a profound mystery of God’s will is unveiled: He wanted to adopt us as His children through Christ. Unlike the picture-perfect children on adoption brochures, we were far from flawless. Despite our sins that alienated us from Him, God saw beyond our shortcomings.

To a holy God, our imperfections made us seemingly repulsive. Yet, “in love he predestined us for adoption,” choosing to embrace us wholeheartedly. It wasn’t out of obligation or pity, but “in accordance with his pleasure and will.” God’s decision to adopt us was filled with joy and delight.

The Ultimate Sacrifice for Our Adoption

Adoption comes with a cost, and God’s willingness to pay it underscores the depth of His love. “He paid whatever it would take to make us his own, even the blood of his own Son.” Through Jesus Christ’s sacrifice, the immeasurable price was paid to bring us into God’s family.

This act transcends human understanding. While we might struggle to accept or love those who seem unlovable, God reached out to us at our worst. His grace wasn’t extended because we earned it but because His perfect love compelled Him to act.

Imperfect Parents and the Perfect Father

In our human experience, striving for perfection often leads to disappointment. As parents, friends, or partners, we fall short. But “our heavenly Father is perfect.” He doesn’t merely overlook our flaws; “through his Son, he has cleansed us of our sin and made us perfect in his sight.”

Being adopted by God means entering into a relationship where we are fully known and fully loved. It’s a family where the bonds are unbreakable and the love is unconditional.

A Family Like No Other

Embraced by grace, we find ourselves part of “the one family that really does have the perfect relationship that lasts forever.” God’s pleasure in calling us His own isn’t just a theological concept; it’s a lived reality for those who accept His love.

As Pastor Jacob Hanneman reflects, “Happy that God has made me a member of his family, just like you!” It’s an invitation extended to all—a call to experience the joy and fulfillment that comes from being adopted by the perfect Father.

Jacob Hanneman is the pastor of Shepherd of the Plains Lutheran Church in Fort Morgan. In-person worship is at 9 a.m. Sundays. Online worship can be found at www.shepherdoftheplainslutheranchurch.com.