Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – October 6, 2014
I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. John 14:18-19
Indeed the Lord does not leave us as orphans, but has adopted us by our belief in His beloved son Jesus. Those who go through life without faith in Christ are on their own. They are limited by what their senses can see. Though their souls can see with eyes of faith, they choose blinders of unbelief instead. How lonely to live life without the Lord Christ. Just as Jesus assured His disciples of being present when absent bodily, so His Spirit is present within our trusting souls.
Because Jesus lives, those who live for Him–live. Because He lives, we live to face tomorrow. Because He lives, we live to make the most of today. Because He lives, we live to bring life to those who are dead in their sins. Because He lives, we live for a kingdom not our own. Because He lives, we live to love God and people. Because He lives, we live a life empowered by His Spirit. Because He lives, we live for Him. Because He lives, we long to live with Him forever!
“For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what they have done” (Matthew 16:27).
Does it feel like Christ’s presence has departed from you? Has a sense of abandonment crept into your heart? If so, be assured of the Spirit’s consolation, the Son’s companionship and your heavenly Father not leaving you fatherless. Allow an attitude of gratitude to grip your heart for you have been adopted by God. Like an earthly orphan looks for trustworthy adults to learn from and follow, we have our master Jesus as our mentor. His life gives us purpose–power to live life!
Perhaps you seek someone who is orphaned in their faith. They feel rejected, waiting to be accepted by their loving heavenly Father. Because they are fearful and confined to their orphanage of unbelief, it takes time for them to understand how they can truly trust and rely on Jesus. You can help them see what it looks like to be set free by God’s adoption of you. Their clinched fist may grasp a bread crumb of doubt and fear, but keep feeding them the bread of life. Because Christ lives in you–you have the opportunity to introduce His life to orphaned souls.
“You see, you have not received a spirit that returns you to slavery, so you have nothing to fear. The Spirit you have received adopts you and welcomes you into God’s own family. That’s why we call out to Him, “Abba! Father!” as we would address a loving daddy” (Romans 8:15, The Voice).
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for adopting me–for my life-giving life in Christ.
Related Readings: Psalm 68:5; Galatians 2:20; Ephesians 1:5; Colossians 3:3-4; 2 Timothy 1:1
Post/Tweet today: Like an earthly orphan looks for trustworthy adults to learn from and follow, we have our master Jesus as our mentor. #wisdomhunters
Additional Resource: 4 minute video – Adopted by God: http://bit.ly/1obprII
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