Devotional: Adopted into the Family of God

The Mystery of Adoption

Scripture Readings:

- Ezekiel 16:3

- Nehemiah 9:7

- Galatians 3:8

- Ezekiel 16:4-6

- 2 Corinthians 5:17

- Galatians 6:15

- Ezekiel 16:15-23

Theme: The Mystery of Adoption

Introduction:

One of the profound mysteries of God's goodness is how He adopts Gentiles, making them His people. From the time of Abraham and Sarah, God has been grafting people from all nations into His holy family. 

Reflection:

God’s choice of Abraham, originally from Ur of the Chaldeans, marks the beginning of this divine adoption. As Nehemiah 9:7 reminds us, God brought Abraham out of his native land and gave him a new identity, symbolizing the spiritual transformation that would extend to all believers. 

Ezekiel 16:3 further illustrates this transformation, depicting Israel’s origins in a spiritually desolate place. Despite this, God chose Israel, showing that He can make a holy nation out of a people with anti-God origins. Just as Abraham’s faith was credited to him as righteousness (Galatians 3:8), our faith in Christ transforms us and makes us children of God.

Spiritual Umbilical Cord:

In Ezekiel 16:4-6, God speaks of cutting the spiritual umbilical cord that tied Israel to its past. This severance was essential for their new life. Similarly, our salvation in Christ breaks the spiritual ties to our past and makes us new creations, as affirmed in 2 Corinthians 5:17 and Galatians 6:15.

Warning Against Reattachment:

While salvation grants us a new beginning, our actions can reattach us to our past sins. Ezekiel 16:15-23 warns against falling back into old ways. Despite the new life God offers, sin can create pathways for curses to reconnect. 

Application:

Reflect on your spiritual journey. Are there habits or actions that might reattach you to past sins? Remember that God’s grace is sufficient to keep you free from these spiritual entanglements. Trust in His power to continually renew and transform you.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for adopting us into Your family and making us new creations in Christ. Help us to remain free from the sins of our past and to live fully in the new life You have given us. Strengthen our faith and guide our actions so that we may always walk in Your goodness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.