I like how Paul explains the law in familial terms, being in God’s family. If you’re a parent, or know some parents, you know their kids’ safety is always a primary concern and often a prayer request. When we think of the law as God’s protectiveness over his people while they waited for Jesus’ redemptive love, that’s a powerful mind shift for many.
I’ve never thought of God’s law as a “guardian” before. But what a great image! Just like an overprotective parent has rules that seem impossible to follow, so does the law. Just like children misbehave and test the boundaries, people through the ages have shown their disobedience to God. The Bible is full of examples where God’s children rebelled, followed false gods, and ignored and forgot the law. Does that sound familiar?
You are a child of God. Does that feel like an affirmation of something you’ve always known to be true? Or, does thinking of yourself as God’s daughter or son intimidate you just a bit? Whatever you’re feeling at the notion of being a child of God, I can’t help but share that I feel honored and privileged.
The people of Paul’s day were navigating new ground. For the Gentiles, they were now trusting in one God, Jesus own Father. Before it had been many worthless gods. They hadn’t grown up with the law being instilled into their lives like devout Jews. For the Jewish followers, they, too, were learning something new. They had to figure out how to accept that Gentiles had the same inheritance, that Jesus had closed the gap, now connecting all people.
We’re related to a lot of people as the family of God. That’s another cool perk of being a follower of Jesus. It puts you in the room, as a family, with other people who trust the same Jesus. It’s like going to church where you can be yourself, and people agree and bow to Jesus right along with you. Sadly, we see church families who let issues divide them. The harmony you’d expect in churches is often lacking. It’s tragic really. Those early believers struggled with some of the same problems.
What else in this passage struck a chord with you? Maybe it was a particular verse or thought. There were some visuals for me, including “prisoners of sin,” what it means to “put on Christ,” or how Jesus bought our freedom so we could be His and receive an inheritance like His. Those are some big ideas.
One of my favorite ways to think about God while keeping the awe factor burning bright is calling him “Abba.” That’s like being intimate and calling him “Daddy.” I am so thankful for the earthly father God gave me, whom I called Daddy until the day he died. That day is all too recent, and my heart still cries a little each time I start missing him again.
“Abba, Father,” is how Jesus prompts us. Jesus wants us to have that close connection with the Father, just like he did. When we think of what God has done for us- how he gave us the law to protect us until Jesus came, how he loves us by sending his son, Jesus, how he surrounds us with the Holy Spirit to empower us, how he is faithful. We have been given an inheritance, a future beyond our wildest dreams. What does being God’s heir mean to you?
Let’s pray. Lord, I am so grateful to be your child. Forgive me for how I have rebelled at times. Forgive me for times I’ve stumbled or not followed your path for me. I trust you with my whole self, and I seek your will for each of my days. Thank you for the inheritance you have for me. While I struggle to feel unworthy, I know you love me and desire a relationship with me. Thank you for letting me spend time with you today. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
