The Special of the Day… From the Orange Moon Cafe…
"Sons and Daughters. Temples"
First, they followed. Then they became disciples and servants. This led to friendship, and even brotherhood with the Lord Jesus Christ as sons united to the Son. Finally, they became living temples of the living God.
"Follow Me… When they were alone, He expounded all things to His disciples… If any man serve Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there shall also My servant be… I have called you friends… Thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ… Ye are the temple of the living God (Matthew 4:19; Mark 4:34; John 12:26; John 15:15; Galatians 4:7; II Corinthians 6:16).
Each of these designations has a place in the life of born again believers in the Lord Jesus. We follow, learn as disciples, joy in friendship with God, and serve our Lord. However, the latter two blessings of grace bear the most special and powerful significance and impact. Through the new birth made possible by our Savior's death and resurrection, Christians are part of "the whole family of Heaven and earth" (Ephesians 3:15). We are sons and daughters of God in Christ. Moreover, the Holy Spirit literally dwells within the very innermost depths of our being, constituting us as "the habitation of God through the Spirit" (Ephesians 2:22). Yes, to follow, learn, befriend, and serve the Lord are wonderful and privileged responsibilities never to be taken lightly. To be family with God, however, and to be His living temple, transports our wonder unto another realm of grace altogether.
The Lord Jesus prayed for such blessedness to be given to those who believe, and then suffered, died, and rose again to make the wondrous gift a reality:
"Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on Me through their word, that they all may be one; as Thou, Father, art in Me, and I in Thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that Thou hast sent Me. And the glory which Thou gavest Me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them, and Thou in Me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that Thou hast sent Me, and hast loved them, as Thou hast loved Me. Father, I will that they also, whom Thou hast given Me, be with Me where I am; that they may behold My glory, which Thou hast given Me: for Thou lovedst Me before the foundation of the world. O righteous Father, the world hath not known Thee: but I have known Thee, and these have known that Thou hast sent Me. And I have declared unto them Thy name, and will declare it: that the love wherewith Thou hast loved Me may be in them, and I in them" (John 17:20-26).
Little more need be said. Little more can be said. We do well to frequently still our hearts in the light of such glory and grace. From followers, to disciples, to servants, to friends. And then, to sons and daughters inhabited by the Spirit of Christ Himself. Eternity will not be long enough to fathom this "hope of glory which is Christ in you," and this gift of "I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be My sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty" (Colossians 1:27; II Corinthians 6:17-18).
"Because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying Abba Father."
(Galatians 4:6)
"Christ liveth in me."
(Galatians 2:20)
Weekly Memory Verse
Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.
(Proverbs 3:5-6).
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