Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God. John 1:12-13 NIV
In October of 2021, I had cataract surgery on my right eye, and they inserted a corrective lens. The surgery was a true gift from God; for the first time in my life, I have perfect distance vision in that eye. However, my left eye is not yet at the point where it needs surgery, which means wearing a corrective contact for close-up vision in my left eye. This works pretty well, but sometimes, my eyes play tricks with my brain, and I have trouble finding things literally under my nose resulting in questions like, "Janice, have you seen my car keys?" followed by "Nevermind, they're right here."
When Christ came into the world, the truth was right under people's noses, yet they failed to see it. It was not a secret; Jesus plainly told them, I am the Son of God, yet they didn't believe. But there were those few who did. Although they couldn't be humanly born anew, they emerged from the spiritual womb of the baptismal waters as children of God. As the Spirit descended like a dove at Christ's baptism, God sent that same Spirit at Pentecost.
The miracle has not changed; the guarantee remains the same for all who believe. But for people to accept, we must tell them. Here's what the Apostle Paul says, "How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?" (Rm 10:14) It is our responsibility as God's children, heirs to his kingdom, to help expand the family of Christ by personal invitation.
Father God, we thank you for the right to be called your children. We are thankful for your Son, Jesus Christ, who offered us this privilege through his death and resurrection and the gift of the Holy Spirit. Help us remember both your love and the responsibility of being your child. Father, fill us with your grace and, by the Spirit, guide and encourage us as we witness to others. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Blessings,
Pastor Tim
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