Born of God :: Deeper Devotion

by Kristie Ansley

John 1:10-13
He was in the world, and though the world was made through Him, the world did not recognize Him. He came to that which was His own, but His own did not receive Him. Yet to all who received Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God – children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.

I am amazed at the individual attention God promises us in the Bible. He promises to hear our prayers and meet our needs. He also gives us each the opportunity for a personal relationship with Him – a relationship apart from our ancestry or our associations (family, friends, etc.) Not only is this liberating because we are able to know our creator intimately, but also because we are free from our heritage, whatever that may be.

Judging by the state of the world today, a fair number of the people who read this devotion have suffered the devastation of a broken family or know too closely the dark side of humanity (drugs, adultery, paganism). When we receive the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ, we are “born of God” and our history is erased. We are given a clean slate and an opportunity to start a new life with God. He has given us the “right” to be called His children. The world no longer knows us as “The son of Mr. and Mrs. Jones” or the “Wild one in the Wilson family.” We are known as a child of God and are to make this our identity. All biological associations are erased and we are to claim our spiritual inheritance as children of the Most High God.

Christ came into the world to make right the relationship between God and His creation. When we accept the bridge Christ offered, we cross over from our worldly associations and enter into the kingdom of God; rightful heirs to heaven. Whatever your background may be, I challenge you to find joy in the fact that God has given you the “right” to be called His child through the saving grace of Jesus Christ.

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