Observation: As Paul transitions the conversation about being slaves under the Law into a conversation worldly flesh versus Godly spirit, he makes it clear that being a "slave" to the truth - to our faith in Jesus - is not truly like slavery. Rather, it is the spirit of being adopted as a child. We obey the Lord not out of fear of retribution for being a bad slave, but out of love and devotion and desire to make our father proud. It is by that spirit that we are able to call the Lord our father, our 'daddy'.
Application: I feel like I am far from making my father proud. I struggle with ... everything. I'm glad I'm not a slave and can't be whipped or punished or cast out when I fail, but I also know the Lord often sadly shakes his head and turns away from me. I am a bad person who does bad things and thinks bad thoughts.
Today, I claim the promise of adoption, the promise of being able to call the Lord Abba - my daddy - because ... I need this promise. I can't live without it, else my failure would crush me.
Prayer: Abba, my dad in heaven, I thank you so very much for your patient love. What makes your love so special is that you have every reason to withhold it from me, but you don't. Again I say, thank you. May I do something today that makes you pleased. Amen.
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