Sonship and Suffering

Sonship and Suffering…

Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us.” Consider who we were, and what we feel ourselves to be even now when corruption is powerful in us, and you will wonder at our adoption. Yet we are called “the sons of God.”

Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God.” — 1 John 3:1,2

What a high relationship is that of a son, and what privileges it brings! What care and tenderness the son expects from his father, and what love the father feels towards the son! But all that, and more than that, we now have through Christ.

As for the temporary drawback of suffering with the elder brother, this we accept as an honour: “Therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.” We are content to be unknown with him in his humiliation, for we are to be exalted with him. “Beloved, now are we the sons of God.”

That is easy to read, but it is not so easy to feel. How is it with your heart this morning? Are you in the lowest depths of sorrow? Does corruption rise within your spirit, and grace seem like a poor spark trampled under foot? Does your faith almost fail you?

Fear not, it is neither your graces nor feelings on which you are to live: you must live simply by faith on Christ. With all these things against us, now-in the very depths of our sorrow, wherever we may be-now, as much in the valley as on the mountain, “Beloved, now are we the sons of God.” “Ah, but,” you say, “see how I am arrayed! my graces are not bright; my righteousness does not shine with apparent glory.”

But read the next: “It doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him.” The Holy Spirit shall purify our minds, and divine power shall refine our bodies, then shall we see him as he is.

O Lord, how astonishing is Your love!  It surpasses all understanding, that You, the Creator of the universe, would call us, flawed and struggling as we are, Your children.  We marvel at this adoption, this incredible privilege of being sons and daughters of God.  Forgive us for the times when we forget this truth, when we allow our circumstances or our internal struggles to cloud our vision of Your boundless grace.  Help us to live in the reality of this relationship, drawing strength and comfort from Your unwavering love.  Even in the depths of sorrow, when corruption seems to overwhelm us, remind us that “now are we the sons of God.”  We cling to this promise, not in our own strength, but by faith in Jesus Christ.  We look forward to the day when we shall be like Him, transformed by Your glorious power.  Thank you, Father, for this unspeakable gift.  Amen.

God loves each of us as if there were only one of us.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼