Welcome to the Family!

“But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive the full rights of sons…And since you are a son, God has made you also an heir.” Galatians 4:4-5,7 (NIV)

My new nephew is front and center, surrounded by all of his girl-cousins!

 Ever since Korie made the announcement on social media yesterday, I knew exactly what I wanted to talk about today in my devo. I’m so excited to tell you about my new nephew. While we’re not sharing his name with the public yet, I can tell you that he just turned 13 last month, and he is precious. He’s been living with Willie and Korie’s family since last May. In fact, the first time I ever met him was on my birthday in April. At that time, I didn’t realize just what a gift he is! He smiles constantly. He is affectionate, always running to give me a hug whenever he sees me. He is creative and loves to build Lego’s. He loves science and all things dinosaurs. He’s also trying to adjust to our big, wonderful, sometimes crazy family and learning how to get along with all of his new siblings and cousins, which can be a bit of a challenge. Getting used to lots of major changes at once that also include a new school and new friends will take some time, but love, patience and complete acceptance is what he can expect from his new family. I’m sure people will have many questions about his story, his background, where he came from, etc, but actually, none of that matters. When the opportunity arose for him to be a part of their family, Korie and Willie did not hesitate. They saw a child with a need and knew they were able to fulfill it.

 Being adopted into the Robertson family is much like each one of us being adopted into God’s family. It doesn’t matter where we were born, how we were raised or what circumstances lead us to being called by God. God saw the need in each of our lives, and He sent His Son to fulfill it. Although He knew that we would have messed up lives, dysfunctional backgrounds and sinful desires, He did not hesitate in sending his own Son as the ultimate gift to save us from further destruction.

 Romans 1:16 says, “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.”

 Whew! Thank goodness that our God is all about adoption. If He was picky about people’s backgrounds, only wanting those of a certain race or those only born to a particular family, us Gentiles would be left to die.

 John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him will not perish but will have everlasting life.” God could have just as easily sent his Son for a chosen few or for only His favorite people, but He didn’t. He sent his Son for “the world”. That pretty much covers everyone. Those of us who have accepted Jesus as our Lord are now God’s true sons and daughters, no matter where we came from. And just like my new nephew, that alone should cause us to have a constant smile on our face.

Smile! You have been chosen!

Have a wonderful week!