I feel like “Little Orphan Annie.”
Okay after you stop laughing I will explain.
Remember how destitute she was. Remember all her enemies. Her story was dark and her future was hopeless. Until she was adopted. Hope came out of no where. Her life was reborn. Everything was changed for the better.
Sound familiar? As I read Acts 13 this week I realized the connection.
Acts 13:26b . . . to you the word of this salvation has been sent.
I felt like I was watching an old “Indiana Jones” map seeing the animated red-line mark the travels of Paul and Barnabas as they extended the reach of the Gospel. The red-line of Gospel touching heart by heart covering the map. I stopped and considered the day that red-line reached me. The day I realized what the shed blood of Christ accomplished as He invited me to a new life.
I was an orphan with a dark life, my future was hopeless, the enemy was one me, but Jesus reached out to me. He paid the price. He did all the work. He made the way for me to be a part of His spiritual family.
Eph 1:5 having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will,
Eph 1:13-14 In Him you also [trusted], after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.
We, the believers, belong! We are accepted! We are protected! We have an inheritance! We are set! We are secure! We are Loved!
I want to remember that I was once an orphan, but now I am part of the beloved. I want to always remember that beautiful contrast. I don’t want to ever forget . . .
Acts 13:26b . . . to you the word of this salvation has been sent.
Acts 13:38-39 Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through this Man is preached to you the forgiveness of sins; and by Him everyone who believes is justified from all things from which you could not be justified by the law of Moses.
My Prayer for Us ~
Lord it truly is a blessing to call you Father, Dad. Thank for you for pursuing us, choosing us. Thank you for our brand new hope. Lord change us as we are children secure in Your love. Strengthen us to live in this new hope. Affirm us and send us to reach out others with this great and awesome love of Jesus Christ.
Amen
Love is on the Move – Leeland
Phil Wickham – Heaven and Earth