Devotion 10.29.26

1 John 3

"1 See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 2 Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. 3 And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure."

Our hope is found through our faith in Christ.

I understand that the movie, "Heaven is for Real," depicts all our loved ones in "heaven" at the age of six or so (if I heard correctly). I've yet to see the movie or read the book.

John, the apostle, writes frequently referring to us, his readers as "children." I heard in a sermon several years back that he walked among the people in his day calling them all "children" as he reached out and "shook hands" (greeted them in the manner of the day) telling them of Christ's love for them.

What makes you and me a child of God? The simple faith of a child in Christ, given to us through our baptism. We are made pure, through him, because he is pure. 

Pray with me: Gracious God, Heavenly Father, We give thanks to you for the gift of faith and the hope that faith gives us. We are your children, regardless of age. In Christ's name, Amen.