Adopted

I have always thought that adoption is one of the most beautiful things in the world. The idea that a couple would take a child, not theirs biologically, into their family is one of the most compassionate and Christ like things they can do.

But instead of thinking about it from the parents’ perspective, think about it from the perspective of the adopted child. For years the child has lived in an orphanage, or perhaps moved from foster home to foster home, lying awake at night wondering if he would ever be a part of a permanent family. He wonders why his mother gave him up and why his father never stepped up. Then one day a social worker comes and informs him that he is being adopted.

Adoption in America costs around $30,000. This child is being taken in by a family that is willing to pay a high price to adopt him. They will forever pay for his food, clothing, insurance, and birthday presents. They will buy his first car, put him through college, and help make a down payment on his first house. In America, once a child is adopted, he can never be un-adopted.

This child is not being adopted because he boasted the best grades or posted the best stats; his adoption status is based solely on the mercy of the parents.

Ephesians 1:5 tells us that God “predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will.” For those who have put their faith in Jesus Christ, God has adopted them as His sons and daughters, making them joint heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17).

As Michael Reagan pointed out in his book Twice Adopted, he was just an ordinary kid who was adopted by the President of the United States. When he heard people speak with admiration about the President, Michael enjoyed just being able to call him dad. But, he said, that pales in comparison to knowing that he has been adopted by Almighty God.  

Once you have been adopted by God you can never be un-adopted; and you have access to the King of the universe. Your adoption status is not based on how well you have performed or what you bring to the table. It is based purely on the mercy of the Father. 

(For more information on adoption, please visit Bethany Christian Services here)