In the Family

Bible Reading: Galatians 4:1-7

“We had a new girl in our class today,” said Leilah as she nibbled on cheese and crackers at the kitchen table after school. “Her name is Ana. She’s from an orphanage in Romania, and an American family—the Blackmans—adopted her.”

“How wonderful!” said Mom. “For both her and the Blackmans.”

“Yeah,” said Leilah, “but Finley says she feels sorry for Ana because she doesn’t have any real family of her own.”

Mom sat down at the table. “That’s ridiculous,” she said. “Of course she has a family! The minute Ana was adopted, she became as much a part of the Blackman family as if she had been physically born into it.” Mom smiled at Leilah. “I wonder if Finley realizes that you’re also adopted.”

Leilah’s mouth dropped open, and she stared at her mother. “I didn’t know I was adopted!”

“Well, you are,” said Mom. “But not by me and Dad—by God! When you accepted Jesus as your Savior last year, you were immediately adopted into God’s family. You’re a child of God now, just like Ana is the Blackmans’ child.” Mom reached over and picked up her Bible from the counter. She opened it and handed it to Leilah. “Read Romans 8:16 and 17,” she said.

Leilah read aloud. “The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ.”

Mom nodded. “You became a child of God and an heir to His riches,” she said. “God accepts you as His own, just like Ana’s new parents accept her as their very own. What do you think of that?”

“Wow!” said Leilah. She grinned. “I think Ana and I will get along well together, especially once she finds out that I’ve been adopted too.” She paused to take a bite of cheese. “And you know what, Mom? If Ana becomes a Christian, she’ll have been adopted twice. Isn’t that cool? I’m going to tell her!”

“Good,” said Mom. “And don’t forget to tell Finley too!” – Jonnye R. Griffin

How About You?

Have you been adopted into God’s family? If not, would you like to be? When you trust Jesus as your Savior, you become a member of His family. You even become an heir to His inheritance—He shares His new life with you now, and one day He will share all His splendor and riches in heaven! Don’t wait. Trust in Jesus today! (See ABCs of Salvation in the column to the right.)

Today’s Key Verse:
Romans 8:16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.

Today’s Key Thought:

Christians are God’s children