May 4th | God's Family

A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON PAUL’S LETTER TO THE EPHESIANS 

GOD’S FAMILY

Ephesians 2:19 “Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of His household . . . ”  

There are any number of Christian congregations that have chosen the name “Family of God ______ Church.” How appropriate! You, by virtue of your baptism are a child of God and member of His family. Your fellow congregational members join you in this special relationship. No matter where you go or who you are, you will always be part of His family. All believers in Jesus Christ are children of God. Your heavenly Father has adopted you to become His child, to incorporate you into His family and to grant you all the rights and privileges associated with His family  

Through your heavenly Father’s adoption, He has given you a new name, identity, and life purpose. You are a fellow citizen with all who are believers in Him. Together, you experience His unconditional love and mercy. Together with your fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, being adopted by God as His child, you have become a part of His spiritual family that supports, encourages, and strengthens each other in faith. 

As a child of God, a member of His holy family, you are no longer defined by your past sins. Through Jesus your sins are forgiven. You are now known as His child with a new mission to love Him and others. This transformative experience brings you into a community with other believers who share the same beliefs and values. You share together with your fellow believers the goal of loving Him and your neighbor as yourself.   

God’s family is a place of love, grace, acceptance, belonging, and forgiveness. You have a unique and special relationship with Him. You have a responsibility to live out your life in a way that reflects this relationship. You have hope for the future. As Paul writes in Romans 8:28, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” 

Prayer: Thank You, heavenly Father for adopting me into Your family through Jesus Your Son and keeping me close to You through the power of Your word and Sacraments. Amen. 

 Refrain: Father welcomes all His children To His family through His Son
Father giving His salvation, Life forever has been won. 

Little children, come to Me, For My kingdom is of these.
Life and love I have to give, Mercy for your sin. Refrain: 

In the water, in the Word, In His promise be assured:
Those who are baptized and believe Shall be born again. Refrain: 

Let us daily die to sin; Let us daily rise with Him,  
Walk in the love of Christ our Lord, Live in the peace of God.  Refrain:  (LSB 605)