Hi all,
Today I want to write about a topic that is near and dear to my heart – adoption. Adoption is wonderful in so many aspects. I have had the wonderful privilege to adopt three children (and perhaps more in the future). I want to say a few things about adoption.
First, it is a wonderful way to rescue children. I cannot imagine what it is like to not have a home. But every time I look at my children, I see children for whom there was a time when they had no mom or dad. My boys were too small to remember it, and likely my daughter won’t remember it as she grows older either, but it is still true. When Christians adopt, they have a double privilege – to give an orphan a home and to raise them in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. A life is brought into direct contact of the gospel that may not have happened otherwise.
Second, it is a picture of what happens to us at salvation. We were all once orphans, with no heavenly Father. But now we can rejoice that we are no longer orphans because the Father sought us out and made us a part of his family. We now have an eternal family with a Father, an elder Brother, and lots and lots of brethren and sistern. God was not content for us to remain orphans. He brought us into his family. God is not hung up on “biology.” He chose to make us children, even though we are not divine beings. Think of it – created humanity as the sons and daughters of God!
Third, it is something anyone can support. I want to plug a great book on the subject, Adopted for Life by Southern Seminary Dean Russ Moore. If you haven’t read it, you should. It is both theological and practical. Not everyone is in the position to adopt a child, but anyone can support prospective adoptive parents financially and prayerfully. I would love to see churches adopt an adoption as missions projects.
Finally, Jesus himself was adopted. He was the “carpenter’s son,” even though he had no biological connection to Joseph. Joseph knew Jesus was not his son biologically, yet he loved him and taught him his trade. Adoption is a powerful thing, because Jesus is not biologically (as far as we biblically know) the “Son of David.” His lineage from David is through his adopted father, Joseph. If Jesus’ title as the Messianic heir to David is available by adoption, how great is our adoption in the heavenlies?
Please consider it. Children need homes – good, Christian homes. It is at the heart of the Father. I urge you to do what you can. It can have eternal consequences.
Jim G.