
As I was growing up there were several kids I knew, who were adopted by their parents. This was something I always thought was rather neat. I figured that these children were special because their parents actually chose them, out of other possible children, to be a part of their family. And, what was even cooler was the idea they were incorporated into the families just as if they were biologically connected to everyone as offspring.
In our Old Testament reading for this coming Sunday, we read about this adoption process from the prophet Isaiah. “In the same way we also, when we were children, were enslaved to the elementary principles of this world. But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, to redeem those who were under the Law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. 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, than an heir through God.’”
Through the water and words of Holy Baptism you and I have been adopted into the family of God. He has chosen us, we are His! How special can that be, when the Lord God Almighty chooses us to be His sons and daughters? By God’s grace, and through the saving work of Jesus, His beloved Son, we are heirs in the blessings of receiving the inheritance of eternal glory which will literally last forever.
In the pro-life community we often use the term “Adoption the Option” to signify the blessed opportunity there is for women to make the choice to have their child, and then if they feel they are not able to raise the child give it up for adoption. If God can use such a wonderful means to give “US LIFE”, then what a wonderful way for us as human beings to give the gift of life also!
Pastor McCarty