Read: Ephesians 1:1-14
He predestined us for adoption to himself. (v. 5)
Adoption, by its very nature, originates in brokenness. One or both biological parents are unable to keep and care for a child. It is an act born out of pain, frustration, and despair. Yet, there is also redemption in this sacrificial gift. The giving parents have an opportunity to change their life’s trajectory; the child has a new home in which to experience family; and the adoptive parents have a beautiful child to raise and care for, reflecting the Father’s heart for parenthood.
In God’s kingdom, there is always redemption. All of us began life’s journey in a state of brokenness and despair, mired in sin. Yet despite this, Paul writes in Ephesians, God desires that we know love, and he himself chooses to be our father. He handpicks each of us for “adoption to himself,” and we are born into his eternal family.
Through Jesus Christ, we have the amazing opportunity to enter into a father-child relationship with the Creator, the original source of family, as his chosen sons and daughters! Just think about that! Furthermore, writes Paul, the adoption has been sealed and guaranteed by the gift of his Holy Spirit. The judge’s gavel has come down. Brokenness has been made whole. Strangers have become family. We belong to him. Stated differently, the very act of adopting a child mirrors God’s adoption of us all! To him be the glory forever! —Tammy DeRuyter
As you pray, praise him that you have been adopted, for all eternity, into his home. You have been given a true forever family!
About the Author
Tammy DeRuyter is a former stockbroker turned student of theology and history. She holds master’s degrees in both from Fuller Theological Seminary and Central Michigan University. Married for more than 25 years to Michael, an ordained RCA pastor, they have three emerging, young adult children ages 20, 21, and 22—the youngest of whom was adopted at 11.
