That Is Adoption

The Holy Spirit will give me no rest until we meet together. Check your schedule for January to see if you and I can meet for lunch, my treat.

Last week, I received this text from a friend. Now, I have to take a moment to tell you about this friend, because this is how God works. We met just simply going about our day. She's "from around the way," as we say, and she walks each day as I (try to) do. She shops at some of the same places. She drives some of the same streets. We bump into each other on occasion. We look nothing alike. I know very little of her upbringing or where she worked before we met. We shared our phone numbers because we encourage and pray for one another. She has no idea where I went to school or what sort of books I like to read. We don't know one another's children's names or how many grandchildren the other has. Does she have grandchildren??? But because we share the same Father, however, we are sisters. Because we share the same Father, we are like-minded in the things we pursue. Because we share the same Father, we are of the same character. Because we share the same Father, we love one another. Our Father did that. 

Also last week, a young man we have known for just over a year, became a Murphy. After many, many questions, inspections, and signatures, he is now our son through the process of adoption. The process occurred; it is the permanent and binding legal means by which we take responsibility for him, and he gains our protection and resources. And not to say that is where the legal portion of it ends, but for the most part, the rest is relationship. Our Father at work, again.

The similarities in the adoption process are not lost on me. "Coming to Jesus" or "accepting Jesus into your heart" or any of those euphemisms we use to describe this thing called "eternal life," is all about having a relationship with the Living God. A relationship He designed, initiated, and enables. We are adopted into His family. We are now His heirs. We are called by His name to represent Him wherever we go. Jesus' name is written in His blood right there on the dotted line, so to speak. It is a permanent and binding contract in addition to the love and devotion we experience. And though our signatures are not required (only our hearts), among our Christian brothers and sisters, we feel family in those relationships.  

Over the past year, I have grown to love our young man. He has lived with us as our child. He has called us "Mom and Dad." He has expected from us things like gifts and family vacations and celebrations just as a son would. When we introduce him to friends, he is "our son." But last week, when we stood in that courtroom and the declaration was made, something within me jumped with joy. It was official. Bound together in our hearts and on paper. That is adoption. 

I responded to my sister's text. We will share a meal in January. Together, we will celebrate our Father. We will celebrate the kinship of Christ. We will experience the joy of relationship knowing it was signed and sealed by the only sufficient Savior. Bound together in our hearts and by the seal of the Holy Spirit of the One True God, signed in the blood of His Son. That is adoption.

Midweek: Merry Christmas

I pray today brings you a bit closer to the King in the manger. May this poem by Ina G. Roberts bless you and turn your thoughts to His love.

"The True Christmas Spirit"

 A long time ago, down Bethlehem way,

A star shown in the night sky as bright as the day.

The shepherds were watching their flocks with care

When a host of angels appeared in the air,

Proclaiming the son of God had been born

To deliver our souls on that cold Christmas morn.

You will find him wrapped in swaddling clothes,

Lying in a manger while the cattle lows.

A few short decades later, he died on a cross.

Without his sacrifice, we would all be lost.

So as you're running around, buying gifts and treats

To have a big party when your family meets,

Stop and remember why we celebrate this day,

It's not about gifts and food and games to play.

I think of that; we all have enough.

When you think about it, it's all just stuff.

The gift of love is what Jesus gave,

And salvation the day he arose from the grave.

To love each other is all that he asks.

I know that at times that can be a big task.

Just humble yourself and look all around.

I think what you find will be profound.

There are many who can only afford the gift of love.

No presents, no tree with a star up above.

Look into your life, and you will find you are blessed

By many who love you; that gift is the best.

So when it comes time to bless your meal,

Ask for your family to be blessed as well.

Not with gifts or money or material stuff,

but that love and tolerance will be enough.

Remember the loved ones who cannot be there,

But rejoice they're in heaven and not suffering here.

And when you see someone who is down and out,

Don't put them down or have any doubt.

Just do what you think Jesus would do.

Give what you can to help them get through.

If they misuse it, that's between them and God.

In Jesus' eyes you have done your job.

God bless you and enjoy your family Christmas day,

May peace, love, and happiness come your way.

~ Ina G. Roberts 

The True Christmas Spirit 

The Consequences

Have you ever given much thought to the scandalous nature of Christ's Incarnation? I mean, really, put yourself in young Mary's place for a moment. Never mind the unusual physical circumstances for her, what would her parents think? What would Joseph think? What would her friends and neighbors think? This virtuous, faithful young woman cast into the spotlight for the most wonderful reason, but at what must have been tremendous cost. And then, poor Joseph. He's looking to settle down, start a family of his own, serve the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the typical way. But God had plans of the most glorious and gracious nature. Plans that would bring to Joseph's devout life much more conflict than he could ever imagine.   

Deuteronomy 22:23-24 dictates, according to Mosaic Law, if a man were to "lie with" a virgin who is engaged, both were to be stoned; the woman because she did not cry out, and the man because he violated another man's wife. In Numbers 5:11-31, God speaks to Moses the consequences of a married woman's infidelity under His Law. It's not pretty. If a man suspects his wife of infidelity (valid or invalid), he is to bring his wife before the priest. The priest will mix up a concoction of "bitter water" and tell the woman if she has been faithful to her husband, she can drink the liquid and will be spared from physical harm; but if she has indeed been unfaithful...? Well, physical repercussions possibly resulting in infertility, abortion, or even death. May this water that causes the curse go into your stomach, and make your belly swell and your thigh rot. Obviously, no guilty woman would agree to such terms, but it would take an innocent woman plenty of faith to agree as well. Either law applied, would have been tragic for Mary. 

Instead, when Joseph learned of Mary's pregnancy, Matthew tells us, he considered "putting her away privately," quietly divorcing her, an option reserved for a wife who "displeased" her husband. Though he had every right to haul his betrothed before the neighborhood, either by public divorce and its ensuing shame, or by bodily harm, Joseph chose to gracefully, compassionately let her go. Joseph got it! He knew what God's Law was all about: loving God and loving others --even before the Fulfillment of the Law let out His first cry. Grace was already applied before our Savior spoke His first word. The New Adam's work had already been on display, our Savior's stepfather caring for and protecting his wife rather than blaming her. In Joseph was demonstrated for us the Savior's merciful love for His Bride, the Church, before her Redeemer ever placed Himself on a cross to die for her. 

The actors in this real-life tableau were vessels of God's grace even before His Son entered the world. Mary, in giving her body, trusting her Lord, no matter the consequences. Joseph in the tenderness he demonstrated toward this young woman and the commitment to raise God's Son as his own, no matter the consequences. We benefit from their faith. Jesus' birth was a gift because His death is a gift, an opportunity for each of us to give our lives in service to the One True King, no matter the consequences. Who will benefit from your faith?