I laughed the other day when someone introduced me as, “This is Pastor Terry, she used to be ….” I laughed because that is how I am frequently introduced at this stage of my life … “she used to be ….”
There are a lot of titles that I “used to be.” Some thrill me; others not as much. But there is a title I wear proudly that will never be a “used to be” title – A CHILD OF GOD! That title is one I wear now and the one I will wear for all eternity.
“But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God.“ [John 1:12-13 NLT]
The “right” to become children of God. The KJV uses the English word “power.” The Greek word is “exousia,” and carries with it the idea of authority.
Children of God. Children born supernaturally of God. I am not sure words can convey the sense of wonder I find in those few words. Christ Jesus has given those who surrender to Him, the “right,” the “power,” the “authority” to be children of God.
Me. You. Anyone. It doesn’t matter what we’ve done in our past. It doesn’t matter about our social standing, our political affiliation, our financial situation. It doesn’t matter if we are sick or healthy, young or old, weak or strong. It only matters that we believe Christ Jesus is Savior and LORD, the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
Of course, that “belief” isn’t just words, it is a heart offered to Him, a life given over to Him. We do that in thanksgiving for what He gave us – the authority to be children of God. I know I got the best part of that trade.