We Are God’s Children

Romans 8:13,14; 31-39

Martin Buber in his “Tales of the Hasidim” tells of a question that was brought to Rabbi Shelomo, “What is the worst thing that evil can achieve?” His answer was “To make us forget that we are each the child of a king.”

Paul reminds us that we are children of God. One of the things that we encourage our children to do is not to bring embarrassment or reproach upon the the family. We all want to be known as the parent of a child that has achieved some great accomplishment and not one that has committed a crime.

I think That’s why it important everyday that we remind ourselves that God is our father, we are his children, and we must remember that we should strive to honor, obey, and trust him. This is the whole premise of praying the Lord’s Prayer on a daily basis.

When Buber says “the worse thing an evil urge can do is cause us to forget that we are the child of the king” he is reminding us of the power of the flesh and how we can sometimes allow it to grieve and override the Spirit that is within us. Evil is always wanting to bring us down and can sometimes blind us to the reality that God has given us power over that evil and we dominate it, not it dominating us. In times like these when there is so much that is grieving and making God’s people angry, the tendency is to return railing with railing, or accusation with accusation. The temptation to get even or to “one up” someone is an urge that comes from pride that dwells deep within us waiting to be manifested in challenging times. Paul reminds the believers at Rome that they are God’s children and that God will fight for and defend his own.

We quote verses 31-39 in good times when it is easy to believe. But now when things get difficult we forget the strength and power that lies behind the words of Paul. We belong to God! And when the enemy comes against us, we need to remember that God is for us and that we are more than conquerors through Christ.

So what encouragement we have in knowing that our rightful place is in a kingdom where God is our father and Christ our king. Nothing with be able to separate us from him, but how you and I react to the evil urges that come form temptation and confrontation with others will either bring glory to his name or shame and reproach upon him. It’s important in times likes these to remember who we are, to whom we belong, and to remember our purpose is to glorify our father in heaven.

God bless and I love you you all!

Pastor Robby