I loved Paul’s analogy here of an inheritance. Not that I want to see any children left as orphans, but it drives home the image of our Abba Father’s provision for us. As orphans, the children would be under the protection of a guardian until such time that their inheritance became available. I remember writing our own wills when the children were little with instructions on who would be guardians and how they would be cared for until they reached age 25. Would they be ready to handle the money they inherited at that age? There was a much better chance than if they were younger. How much wiser is God to know the right time to share the inheritance he had for his people!
“But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law. God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children.” At the right time, God acted. God sent his Son so that we could be free. Freedom from the law that was holding us captive is now ours! Paul had to explain it because the Gentiles didn’t share this history. They hadn’t been waiting and anticipating the coming Savior of the world. Yet, God always intended to include them as adopted children.
You may have noticed Paul’s use of pronouns jumping back and forth from “you” to “we.” In general, you can assume he is referring to Gentile Christians when he says “you” and to Jewish Christians when he says “we.” However, that isn’t always the case. More important, keep in mind that all Christians, whether Jew or Gentile, were in bondage prior to Christ’s coming. Jews were slaves to the law and Gentiles were slaves to other spirits. Both were set free by Jesus Christ. Both are just as vulnerable to return to their previous condition.
“And because we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, “Abba, Father.” Now you are no longer a slave but God’s own child. And since you are his child, God has made you his heir.” As heirs of God, we are entitled to everything that belongs to God. I can’t even begin to wrap my head around that. Everything. Everything that we see, touch, smell, taste, and hear belongs to God. What an inheritance! How are you caring for what you have been given?
When we call out “Abba,” it’s like saying “Daddy.” Have you ever thought of God as your “daddy?” What image does that conjure up for you? I picture curling up at God’s feet or sitting in his lap with my head on his shoulder. His arms are wrapped securely around me shielding me from all the stress and ugliness of this world. It is peaceful. There is joy. I am safe.
For me personally, I was “daddy’s little girl” growing up. My image of a father is strong and positive. I know for many, having a loving father figure in their life is not their reality. In those situations, it can be hard to accept the love of our Heavenly Father, much less call him “daddy.” In those situations, we should look to those people in our lives who have supported us, comforted us, or made us feel important. That might be another relative, a teacher, coach, pet, or friend. (My pets are people, aren’t yours?) Imagine the earthly love you feel from those sources multiplied more times than you can count. That is the love of your Heavenly Father, your Abba Father.
God has found you. He has welcomed you into his family. You are a child of God sharing in all that belongs to him. Dwell on that today. Focus on the freedom and joy, and let your heart be glad!
Let’s pray … Lord, thank you for your unconditional love. Thank you for sending Jesus to free me from my sin and shame. I am redeemed and full of new energy to sing your praises. Place a song in my heart and direct my path. I want to be a good steward of all the riches you have put at my disposal. Cleanse my heart of all the negative thoughts and beliefs holding me captive. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
