Are You Adopted?

Have you ever felt a little out of place? Maybe you you received an invitation to an event, but didn’t quite feel like you were wanted there?

It’s that familiar feeling in the pit of your stomach that seems to say “you don’t belong here”.

So why does it bother us so much?

Deep down, we all want to feel like we belong. We want a place at the table. To be known fully and still loved fully. To feel like our presence matters and that we’re wanted. We want to be seen, to be heard, to be valued.

The truth is, it’s in our design. We are hard-wired for family.

Paul speaks to this longing for family in Galatians 4:4-5:
“ But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship.”

This is the message of Christmas. If we set aside all the hustle and bustle of the season–the gift shopping, parties, traveling, crowds. This is really what it’s all about.

God sent His perfect Son from Heaven to Earth so He could bring home all His sons and daughters for all eternity.

He emptied Heaven to bring us home.

He adopts us into His family—and with that all the privileges that go with it. We receive the family name. We’re called “son” and “daughter”. We receive the full inheritance. In fact, the Bible says we are actually co-heirs with Christ.

And get this…

The Father loves us with the same love He loves His Son Jesus.

This past weekend Scott and Charity Yoder gave us a glimpse into their incredible story. Take a look at this powerful picture of adoption and the heart of God for us as His children:

Thank you Scott and Charity, for your vulnerability and transparency in sharing your story with us and for your willingness to continue to open your home and your hearts. We are standing and praying with you as God continues to use you to share His love with these incredible children.

–Pastor Jeff Little