“But you, brothers, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. You are all sons of the light and sons of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with Him. Therefore, encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”
– 1 Thessalonians 5:4-11
I read this scripture about 20 minutes before writing this blog. How good Jesus is to reveal scripture to us right when we need it. Something that I am learning about myself is still how to love me; and where my identity lies. I know in my head the right answer that I need to have my full identity and self in the Father, but it hasn’t gone quite to my heart yet. But, it is something I am working on with Jesus.
This scripture reminds me that I am already predestined for life with Jesus. I am learning the reality of the absolute sacrificial gift in Jesus that was given for me. Learning that I am a daughter of the light and the day, that we are appointed to be children who thrive in the day and speak into the dark. Learning that the things I do don’t make my identity, but it is the thing that was done for me. Nothing I can do in this life can ever measure up to what Jesus did for me; so why would I focus on what I do? “He died for us so, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with Him.” Wow. Whether we wander or are clouded by sin, God still made the offer for us. God was completely informed on the transaction He was making for us through Jesllus. He knew how messy we were. He knew the political strife we would cause, the wars we could start, the separation and pain we create; but He still traded His PERFECT son for u s. I am still trying to wrap my brain around this; sometimes I don’t know if I’ll ever understand it. But I know that if I knew a person who gave their perfection for something messy and broken, I know I would want to know why. And His “why” is just because He loves us. He created to be loved; it’s our job.
“For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if we indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in His glory.”
– Romans 8:15-17
We were made to walk in sonship; in royalty in heaven. So let us not look like others. Let’s stop walking like foster kids when we have been adopted by God. (<- a leader’s wise words). I am still learning what this means, but God loves to teach, so I am ready to try and comprehend.
Worship song: Sparrow (Under Heaven’s Eyes) by Tenth Avenue North
Verse: 1 Thessalonians 5:4-11, Romans 8:15-17
