Children of God
Scripture Reading — Romans 8:28-39
To God’s elect … who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father…
1 Peter 1:1-2
Our first call is to be children of God. In fact, the truth that we “have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father” should stir joy in our hearts today and confidence for our future.
Consider the joy for today. God knows our sins, our thoughts, and what we hide from others. He also knows our tendency to disobey and hurt him again and again. Still, because of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, God always welcomes us back into his presence. No wonder John declares: “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!” (1 John 3:1). God wants us to have the joy of full life forever.
Now, consider also our confidence for tomorrow. Scripture says that God made us, saved us, and instructs us. He also daily guides our paths and promises to lead us to his eternal home. In fact, on this day when the Christian church celebrates Christ’s ascension into heaven, we can rejoice that he is preparing that home for us right now (John 14:1-3; Acts 1:4-11).
Do you ever wonder if we’re good enough for God? Well, we’re not. But that’s the point. We are simply invited to love him who first loved us, and to look forward to the time when he will call us to him! What an incredible privilege!
Dear Lord, please deepen our joy in your grace and give us confidence to face the future. Establish us in your love and lead us in your paths. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
About the author — Calvin Hoogendoorn
Rev. Calvin Hoogendoorn serves as senior pastor of First Christian Reformed Church in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Previously he served two churches in Illinois. He and his wife, Carla, have three daughters.
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