Adoption

Last night we celebrated the 12th Anniversary of my brother-in-law Mark adopting my niece Kesa. Kesa introduced Laura to Mark(the neighbor). He knew when they began a relationship that Laura and Kesa(Marki at the time) were a package deal. He willingly, gladly took her as his own, and when the timing was perfect, he legally, officially, and wonderfully made her his own. Not only did he give her his name, but everything, all privileges, and obligations that go with it. In the judges words...from that day forward no matter what happened, even if Laura and Mark were ever to divorce, Mark would still be her father, Lafe would still be her brother. Wonderful stuff!

This is such a lovely picture of what God has done for us:

Ephesians 1:5-14 “He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace which He lavished on us. In all wisdom and insight He made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His kind intention which He purposed in Him with a view to an administration suitable to the fullness of the times, that is, the summing up of all things in Christ, things in the heavens and things on the earth. In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will, to the end that we who were the first to hope in Christ would be to the praise of His glory. In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation--having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of God's own possession, to the praise of His glory.”

He has given us His name, and blessed us with his best promises. No matter what happens, even if we divorce ourselves from Him we are still “sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise.” He will always be our Father. Praise God from whom all blessings flow! J.