Heavenly Family Matters – Part II

Scripture Reading: Hebrews 2:5-13

Key Verse: Hebrews 2:11

So, now Jesus and the ones he makes holy have the same Father. That is why Jesus is not ashamed to call them His brothers and sisters.

In today’s devotion, I want to finish my thoughts from yesterday about the benefits of being adopted into a heavenly family. Yesterday’s devotion described the first implication of our adoption: the “sense of belonging”.

The second implication is the steadfast love of this heavenly family. Read the words of Jesus, Himself: “I have loved you even as the Father has loved Me. Remain in My love. When you obey My commandments, you remain in My love, just as I obey My Father’s commandments and remain in His love. I have told you these things so that you will be filled with My joy. Yes, your joy will overflow! This is My commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you” (John 15:9-12).

Did you follow the progression of these verses?

First, Jesus said He loved us, just like the Father loved Him. That is a lot of love! Each day we can remain in the love as we stay in step with the Holy Spirit that lives in us.

Second, because of this love between God, Jesus and us, we can show this great love to our church family members… and they to us. Though our church family is not a perfect group of people, experiencing their love has always been a blessing to me. You are adopted into God’s family; don’t miss out of the benefits of being part of a church family.

Third, continual forgiveness applies to all members of God’s family. The Bible tells us that God’s mercies are new to us every day (Lamentations 3:22-23). God’s mercy and forgiveness do not depend on our ability to earn it: “If we are unfaithful, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny who He is” (2 Timothy 2:13). You are adopted into God’s family, and He is never going to be unfaithful. God always forgives when we confess our sins to Him (1 John 1:9). I hope you recognize and praise God for His mercy and forgiveness.

Fourth, we Believers can rest assured that no matter the circumstances that come into our lives, our Father in heaven goes about His work of making these circumstances work out for our good (Romans 8:28). God doesn’t cause the bad things to happen to and around us, but He stands ready to turn them around so that they may turn out to be a blessing to us. Don’t forget this promise when bad things come upon you. Membership in God’s family has its privileges; trust in them!

Father, I am so glad to be a part of your family. I will never stop praising you for the day you adopted me! In Jesus’s Name I pray, amen.