Day 16

In Paul’s letter to the churches of Galatia, he (in classic Paul style) was writing to correct false doctrine that had crept into the church and to remind them of the truth of the gospel and our identity as followers of Jesus. In Galatians 4:4-7 he writes, “But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, 'Abba! Father!' So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.”

Because of what Jesus did for us, we have been adopted into God’s family! As sons (and daughters), we are heirs. Jesus allows us to share in His inheritance. Let that sink in for a moment. The Kingdom of Heaven has been opened to us, and we are invited to join in kingdom work by doing the good works He prepared for us in advance (Ephesians 2:10). Jesus came down, took on flesh, fully God and fully man. He submitted to death on a cross to rescue us from the dominion of darkness and to invite us to share in His inheritance (Colossians 1:13). When we think about our lives, are we living in a way that reflects that we have been adopted as a child of God? Are we doing good deeds or serving because we think it may earn us favor with God, or out of gratitude for the gifts that have been lavishly given to us?

Be encouraged, brothers and sisters in Christ! This world is not our home and the gospel is good news. The struggles we face in this life are not forever. How do our priorities reflect where our eternal home is? We can ask the Holy Spirit to show us opportunities to participate in the kingdom work as children of God. Today, let us strive to remember our identity in Christ, who we are, and where we fit into God’s story.

By: Sarah Cummings