adoption!

Scripture:  Galatians 4:6  “And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!”  So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son; then an heir through God.”

Observations: Today’s reading in Deuteronomy was all about various laws.  I can’t help but think that we would not make it today, so I am thankful that Jesus fulfilled the law.  I see that women were not to wear a man’s garment.  Any wives out there ever worn their husband’s flannel shirts?   I found it interesting that there was to be a latrine outside the camp because God would be walking inside the camp and everything needed to be clean.  You could not charge interest on a load to your brother.  You could eat as much as you wanted in your neighbor’s vineyard, but don’t take any home. So many of these laws seem odd to us, or out of date, but I find that underlying them were loving actions.  You were to give to the poor.  You were not to abuse a spouse.  You were not to cheat a neighbor.  Divorce is not an easy thing. 

Application:  A slave has no claim to the master’s home.  He/she has no rights to an inheritance from the head of the household.  A slave is an owned possession.  Christians are not slaves.  Jesus said in his father’s house there are many rooms and he went to prepare a place for us.  He would not do that for a slave, but he would do that for a family member.  Abba is a term of endearment meant only for one so very close to us.  If we are Christians, we have a forever home.

Prayer:  Lord, God, we thank you that we are not forsaken.  We thank you that even though we are living through some tough times now, we have a home where we belong.  We are just sojourners on a journey waiting to get home.  Lead us and direct us Lord.  Don’t let our foot stumble from the right path.  We look forward to the day we are together with you forever!  Amen

​Next Reading:  Deuteronomy 25-27; Galatians 5