The Father's Children

Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God. (John 1:12 NIV)
I myself said, “‘How gladly would I treat you like my children and give you a pleasant land, the most beautiful inheritance of any nation.’ I thought you would call me ‘Father’ and not turn away from following me." (Jeremiah 3:19 NIV)

As Christians, we are given the right to become children of God. I'd like to take a moment to consider what that really means. Being given a right to do something and taking up that right are two different things. It involves a choice. For example, my flight ticket might give me the right to go into the airport lounge. Once I have gone through security, I have a choice: will I take up that right or not? I can sit in the comfort of the lounge or I can stay in the general departures area. 

Once we have put our trust in Jesus our sins are forgiven and our eternal inheritance is guaranteed. It's possible to have received the free gift of salvation but then continue to live as a slave or an orphan. What I am questioning is our perception of ourselves. So far as the Father is concerned we are his children, but do we know it? Do we believe it? Do we live it?

Jeremiah puts it very clearly "I thought you would call me Father". It's a choice and a heart response on our part. As we come to him, and call him 'Father', we discover that he opens the windows of Heaven and fulfils the longing on his heart - 'how gladly would I treat you like my children and give you the best inheritance'. 

Of course, God blesses all his people but it seems there is a greater fulfilment of that when we know in our heart of hearts that we are his children. 

I am pleased to announce the launch of my new book, "It Changes Everything". This book explores the revelation of the Father's love and how, when we live in love, we can truly begin to walk as Jesus walked. I trust it will be a provocation to you to begin a lifelong journey of going deeper into the Father's love. As you do, you will discover that His love really does change everything.

The book is available on Amazon and also available in Kindle format.

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