But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.
– John 1:12-13
(Today’s post is brief. You’re welcome!) On the day of this writing I am celebrating a birthday. How many, you ask? Here’s a hint: The Beatles did a song about my age. If that clue doesn’t help, let’s just say I’ve been around the sun enough times that I have the route memorized. By God’s grace I begin another revolution and (again) by God’s grace I will in the journey grow more mature in Christ and will serve Him well.
To me, birthdays are an opportunity for several good things, one being the opportunity to reflect on all the people who have helped you become who you are. Through the day I have been reminded of a host of people who remain dear to me. Among these are people in my family: children, a beautiful wife, and extended family about whom I resist using the term “in-laws.” There are awesome people who worship in the congregation I serve, dear friends from seminary, friends among previous congregations, friends from my youth, and others who have shared life with me in generations past. My heart is full at the richness of relationships I have in life. My fleshly birth began the journey in which all of these relationships have come about.
Thanks be to God, there has been another birth that has produced a different type of relational family for me. By God’s mercy He has caused me to be born again into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 Peter 1:3). As such I have been brought into a new family, declared by the Spirit to be a child of God. In this family I have a multitude of siblings, Jesus himself being the first-born. The tie that binds us is Jesus. It is a family so large that most of the members I have not yet met. One day I will, though, and it will be amazing to see what a diverse family it actually is.
I don’t know how many more birthdays I will celebrate before my time on earth is through. What I do know is that Jesus holds my tomorrow and my eternity. I would like for you to have the same assurance, to know the peace that comes with being counted among the redeemed children of God. If you do not yet have that hope, please look to Jesus and ask. He never turns away those who humbly come to him.
If you are among those who have shared life with me, I thank you sincerely for making my life more rich. My prayer is that you are also counted among the family of God in Christ Jesus. It will be such a blessing to share eternity with you. And if you are not sure, leave me a private comment. I would cherish the opportunity to share with you how to make that change in life.
See you along the Winding Path.
The Winding Path 