Jimbo's Jots

There’s something to be said for ownership. Toddlers learn this very quickly when we hear two of them playing with toys and one screams, “MINE!!” Then, there are tears and wailing . . . you get the picture!

There’s something pretty awesome about God stating, “You are my child!” And Romans 8 emphasizes this. “The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, ‘Abba, Father.'” (Romans 8:15, emphasis mine) The concept of adoption that Paul refers to here is the full legal standing as a non-relative being taken in as a child. Paul’s use of the Aramaic Abba emphasis the deeper relationship we are drawn in to with God.

Backing up a little bit, where there was condemnation because of our sin (3:20) and the bondage of the law, Paul says “there is NO condemnation” in Christ Jesus through the Spirit (8:1-2). So, being a child of God means that you are in the IN crowd.

Here’s what you get being in the IN crowd:

• freedom from the law of the flesh (v. 1-4)
• the Spirit of God in us (v. 14)
• the Spirit of God testifies on our behalf (v. 16)
• help in our weakness (v. 26)
• God at work in our lives (v. 28)
• we are called, justified, and glorified (v. 30)
• God who is for us (v. 31)
• we are made conquerors (v. 37)
• no separation from God (v. 38-39)

As parents, especially dads, we assure our children how precious they are even when they mess up. It’s important for them to know that we love them and will care for them as long as they will allow us. Now, we know how the Abba Father sees us as His children! May our hearts be open to God’s continual reminders of His love and grace – our children!!

And what do you know!! Yesterday was Father’s Day too!!

Be blessed and be a blessing!!