But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. Because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” Therefore you are no longer a slave, but a son; and if a son, then an heir through God. Galatians 4.4-7

Have you ever experienced how difficult it can be to wait on God’s timing? From the end of the Old Testament to the birth of the Messiah, there was a 400 year period where God’s prophets were frustratingly silent. Only when “the fullness of time came”, did God send His Son. At this specific point in history, Roman rule and relative peace meant a common language (Greek) had been established along with a system of roads to facilitate the spread of the gospel. The Jews had been trained by law to the conviction of sin, heathenism had tried it’s utmost and was found wanting, and a feeling of unrest and expectation was prevalent (even in the East, as we see with the searching Magi). But most importantly, this was the time God had ordained from the beginning to fulfill His purpose and plan of redemption.

One of my favorite books is Knowing God by J.I. Packer. In it, Packer writes, “Adoption is the highest blessing of the Gospel, higher even than the gift of justification because of the richer relationship with God that it involves.” He continues, “Justification is a forensic idea, conceived in terms of law, and viewing God as judge…Adoption is a family idea, conceived in terms of love, and viewing God as father. In adoption, God takes us into His family and fellowship, and establishes us as His children and heirs…To be right with God the judge is a great thing, but to be loved and cared for by God the father is greater”

I am very thankful to be in a fellowship of believers at The Ridge where the doctrine of adoption is not only taught, but also modeled by so many loving families. We are privileged to witness that Christian adoption means full inclusion in every sense. This sonship (or daughtership) means no less love, protection, or discipline is shown to the adopted child. No distinction is made.

In the same way, we are no longer a slave to sin (under the Law), but rather a child of God, if the Spirit is in us. Let your prayers today be a cry to your heavenly Father (Daddy!) as His fully loved and redeemed child.

Weekly Bible Verse: The heavens are telling of the glory of God; and their expanse is declaring the work of His hands. Psalm 19.1