Day 16 - Fully Adopted

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"4 But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship. "

Galatians 4:4-5 (NIV)

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I really don’t like running. Like really really don't like running. Never have done and never will. Let me take you back 11 years ago...it was sports day, it was overcast and threatening to rain. I was there in my green T-shirt, the colours of my school house team – Osprey.

Osprey were known to have a sporty team. Ryan, the fastest boy in the school. Andreas, the best potato sack racer. Shona, the best egg and spoon racer. Olivia, the best hulahooper. Claudia and Lucy, the best three-legged racers. And me, the best referee, score counter, and all-around spectator.

As you can imagine, the pressure was high – we had to win. It came to the marathon – Josh it’s your turn to run. Great! Sports days are all about team work. So as a loyal team member, one of the many characteristics of Osprey, I stepped forward towards the line. There are a few moments in one’s life that you come into your own. Practice, Conditions, and ambitions align for one perfect time. This was not one of those times.

The bell rang and I was off, quickly taking the lead, thinking to myself where is everyone else. As my legs began to ache, I suddenly remembered that this was the marathon. As quickly as I was in the lead, I was at the back of the pack, losing ground, and getting further and further behind. I started to get slower and eventually began to walk the route absolutely devastated that I had clearly lost and let my team down.

Then, a familiar voice said "come on Josh, you can do this". I look up from the ground and my Dad has come alongside me and encouraged me to continue, he began to run with me and encouraged me all the way to the finish line. There are a few specific moments in my life that I will never forget - this being one of those moments.

God the Father, sent us His son so we can belong. But more than that so we could be part of His family. The fact that God wants to be a part of my life - a sinner, lost in my ways - blows my mind. At Christmas, we are reminded of the love He has for us. Just like my Dad running alongside me, He is running alongside us and ready to catch us when we fall.

We are fully adopted into His family.

Wow.

Reflect today: What can you do today to share the love that God shows with those around you?

Dear Lord,

Thank you for adopting me into your family. Please help me to share this gift of sonship with all I meet, not just at Christmas but all year round. Please help soften the hearts of those who haven't accepted this, so that by living out a life for you, they might be saved.

Amen