God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure.

(Ephesians 1:5, NLT)

In 1994, the Western Morning News reported a story about Ian Lewis who spent 30 years tracing his family tree. His research took him all over Britain, speaking to over 2,000 relatives. He uncovered stories of his great-grandfather traveling to Russia in search of fortune, and of his grandfather being expelled after the Russian Revolution. He even began drafting a book to tell the dramatic tale of his ancestors.

Then came a shocking discovery: Ian found out he had been adopted as a baby. His real name was David Thornton. Suddenly, the entire family history he had so passionately traced no longer applied to him. So, he decided to begin the journey all over again — this time, seeking his true family.

How frustrating that must have been! Thirty years of effort, undone in a single revelation.

And yet, this story offers a powerful reminder to those of us in Christ.  When it comes to our place in God’s family, it doesn’t matter whether the image is birth or adoption — both are beautifully true.

Jesus spoke to Nicodemus about being born again (see John 3:5), a spiritual rebirth through water and the Spirit.  This “new birth” is how we begin our life in Christ.  But the apostle Paul gives us another image in Ephesians 1:5 — the image of adoption.  Adoption emphasizes another aspect of our relationship with God: we are chosen. We are wanted.  Brought into God’s family by deliberate love, not by chance.

Which image is more accurate, birth or adoption?  Thankfully, we don’t have to choose.  God uses both metaphors to paint a full picture of the intimate, permanent relationship we share with Him. We are reborn into his kingdom, and we are adopted into his household.

So, if you are a Christian, know that your place in God’s family is secure. You are His both by birth and by adoption.

Prayer: Father, thank you for making me yours, both by rebirth through the Spirit and by adoption through your love.  Help me live each day in the joy and confidence that I belong to your family. May I never take for granted the privilege of being called your child.  In Jesus’ name, amen.

Alan Smith
Reprinted with permission from Alan Smith’s Thought For the Day