Scripture Reading: Hebrews 2:11-13
“For the one who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one Father. That is why Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters…”
As we reflect on the powerful message from Sunday’s sermon, I want to invite you into a deeper understanding of your identity in Christ. Hebrews 2:11-13 reveals a wonderful truth: through Jesus, we are not just forgiven; we are adopted into the family of God. This is a radical shift from being outsiders to becoming co-heirs with Christ, embraced as brothers and sisters.
For many, the concept of family can be fraught with pain and disappointment. Perhaps your earthly father was absent, distant, or even hurtful. Yet, in Christ, we find a Father who is loving, present, and deeply invested in our lives. This divine adoption offers healing and hope, transforming our understanding of who we are.
In a world where division and isolation often reign, the gospel calls us into a community of love and belonging. Jesus, our elder brother, is not ashamed to call us His siblings. He desires an intimate relationship with each of us, inviting us into His family with open arms. This is not merely a theological idea; it is an invitation to experience transformation.
Consider what it means to truly live as a child of God. This week, I challenge you to reflect on your identity in Christ. Ask yourself: How does being part of God’s family change the way I live, interact, and respond to challenges?
The journey of sanctification—the process of being made holy—requires us to let go of our old selves and embrace our new identity. Just as a seed must die to become a fruitful plant, we too must surrender our lives to Christ. This can be uncomfortable, but it is through this surrender that we truly begin to bear the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
Practical Application:
This week, I encourage you to identify one area of your life where you struggle to embrace your identity as a child of God. Is it in your relationships? Your work? Your personal struggles? Lay that before the Lord in prayer, inviting Him to transform you and to help you live out your new identity as His beloved child.
As you navigate this week, remember that you are not alone. You are part of a family that extends far beyond earthly ties. Let this truth shape your thoughts and actions, and watch how God begins to work in and through you.
Let us pray:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of adoption into Your family. Help us to embrace our identity as Your children and to live out that truth in our daily lives. Transform us by Your Spirit, and may we reflect Your love to those around us. Amen.