Children of God

There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light. The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1:6-14 ESV).

 

Many years ago when I was teaching Bible for Tyler Junior College, one of the elective courses I was responsible for was title, “The Writing of the Apostle John.” Of course, the principle focus of the course was the Gospel according to John. Our reading today is from the first chapter of that writing. Each semester I began with the statement that John’s writing was much like a river; it was both narrow and deep. It was a way to call my students attention to the simplicity of the message without minimizing the profound depth of the meaning expressed in it. Our reading today is such a message. It is simple and incredibly profound. Imagine the simplicity of receiving the right to become the child of God and then follow that simple thought to its natural conclusion. Theologians use big words and elaborate concepts to explain God and our relationship with him. But the Bible more often uses simple images that are easy to understand. My favorite is that God is our Father and we are his children. It’s that simple. And, it is that profound.

 

I have been a father for nearly forty-six years, and I have enjoyed a healthy relationship with my own father. Based on my experience of being both a son and a father, I have a pretty good idea of what a father is supposed to be. God’s revealing himself as our Father is a concept on which I can hang my faith. Usually a father is someone older, wiser, and stronger. He is someone with a deep interest in your well-being. He cares about you and provides for you. He knows your name. He is interested in the things that interest you. A good father is avail­able, especially when you really need him. The Scripture declares that all who believe in Jesus are given the right to become God’s children (v. 12). Faith in Jesus opens the door of belonging to the family of God.

 

In a world where it is easy to get lost in the crowd and feel anonymous and insignificant, there is a Father who loves you. There is a Father calling you home. There is a Father who wants you to know that you are his child. I need to return to such simplicity today. How about you?