We know that God has revealed Himself in Jesus Christ in a... - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2023

He chose us in him, … having predestinated us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will.
Ephesians 1:4.5.

We know that God has revealed Himself in Jesus Christ in a twofold relationship: as God and as the Father. Our blessings, too, are to be understood in this relationship: on the one hand in His perfect nature as God, on the other with His affection as our Father.

That God predestinated us to the adoption as sons shows that He has brought us into a wonderful loving relationship with Himself as our Father, which is no less than that which exists with His Son, the glorified Man, Christ Jesus.

Angels also have a relationship with God: they are His servants. Sonship, however, is something quite different. It means that we have an insight into God’s will, that we, as His sons, should have the same interests and feelings as He Himself has.

A father can speak to his sons about everything that occupies him. He can confide all that is important to him to their trust. Similarly, a son takes an interest in what occupies the father. He enjoys sharing things with his father. This is the standing that we have with our heavenly Father through Jesus Christ. We might think that the word “sons” already expresses this sense of intimacy, but the Holy Spirit clearly wishes to stress that it was on the Father’s heart to have us for Himself. He loves us and wishes to have fellowship with us for all eternity.

That is what pleased God to appoint for believers, and He rejoices in what He has decided. It exceeds our comprehension; we can only worship our Father in wonderment over it.

Today’s reading: The Song of Solomon 4:1-5:1 · Mark 8:27-38