“Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.” – 1 Peter 2:9
How big is your family?
When Sarah lost her parents in an accident, she didn’t think she would ever know the love of a mother and father again. While staying in a home for orphaned youth, she met Bill and Jackie Johnson. They visited the home every few days to spend time with the kids. They saw it as a calling to show these hurt children they were still loved.
As Sarah got to know them over the following weeks, she started to feel like there was hope again. She looked forward to when they would come to visit.
It wasn’t long before Bill and Jackie realized they felt a new calling. So, one day, they asked Sarah if she would like to be adopted. Sarah was overjoyed. A few weeks later, Sarah, Bill, and Jakie were standing before a judge making it official.
Bill and Jackie brought Sarah home that day. As she walked into her new home, she was met by a surprise. There, in the living room, were 4 other kids smiling at her with a big “Welcome Home!” banner. She looked at Bill and Jackie and they said to her,
“Sarah, when we adopted you, you didn’t just gain a mother and father, you got 4 new brothers and sisters and they are excited to have you in the family!”
A New Family
When we are saved by Jesus, we don’t just get a ticket to get into Heaven. The new life in Christ begins immediately with many blessings, including a new family.
As you are adopted by God into His family, you gain millions upon millions of new brothers and sisters. They are your new family…your new people. You are loved by them and connected to them through Jesus. This all happens when the mercy of Jesus comes to you through His Word.
Welcome Home
While you have millions of brothers and sisters, there are some with whom you will have especially close relationships. We call this your local church. I hope you get a sense of family when you go to church. I hope you see the church as your home. I hope you spend time getting know and care for your brothers and sisters because this is your family.
Welcome home.
Heavenly Father,
You have shown great mercy on me, forgiving my sins and welcoming me into Your family. Help me to see my church as my family filled with brothers and sisters who love me and want to know me and care for me. Help me to love and care for them as well.
Amen.
In Christ’s Service,
Pastor Kurt
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