I just had the unique opportunity to listen in on a conversation that one normally wouldn’t hear at work.  It was between my Christian co-worker who is in the process of adopting two children and a customer who adopted at an unusually rapid pace 14 years ago.  I took it that the customer was probably not a Christian, but it was clear he was very thankful for his adopted son and highly encouraged adoption.

Well, in the middle of the conversation my friend turned to the gospel in the most natural and beautiful way when he said, “You know the Bible talks about the relationship Christians have with God through Christ as one of adoption.  Think about it.  Think about how your adopted son has full rights to your inheritance, your protection, your love, your discipline, and full access directly to you.  Well, the same is true for those who have been born of God.  The Bible says we are born as rebels against God because of our sin.  But by trusting in Jesus we can be adopted sons and daughters of God.  Isn’t that a beautiful thing?”  That’s all he said.

The customer sat there silent and intrigued by what he had just been told.  I was moved to pray for that man’s soul at the moment.  So why do I share this story with you, the worldwide web?

First, remember your adoption.  Recall your life as a rebellious sinner but now a welcomed child.  Second, pray for parentless children and consider whether you could ever become a parent to the parentless.  As Piper said, “Adoption at the horizontal level is rooted in adoption at the vertical level.” Third, don’t overlook the providential opportunities to tell others about the good news of reconciliation.

Posted in Devotional |