“For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we say, Abba, Father” (Romans 8:15).
The Living Bible paraphrases today’s verse like this: “And so we should not be like cringing fearful slaves, but we should behave like God’s very own children, adopted into the bosom of his family, and calling to him, Father, Father.” Paul uses two different words that mean the same. Both are terms of endearment—one for the Jew, the other for the Gentile.
I like these words of our study writer. “Though we are orphaned and crippled and impoverished and estranged, God searched for us, invited us into His kingdom, restored to us a meaningful life, and made His own children. Hallelujah!”
Ponder these words from the familiar song, “I’m a Child of the King.”
Once I was clothed in the rags of my sin,
Wretched and poor, lost and lonely within.
But with wondrous compassion, the King of all kings,
In pity and love, took me under His wings.
CHORUS:
Oh, yes, oh yes, I’m a child of the King
His royal blood now flows in my veins.
And I who was wretched and poor now can sing
Praise God, praise God, I’m a child of the King.
Now I’m a child with a Heavenly home,
My Holy Father has made me His own.
And I’m cleansed by His blood, and I’m clothed in His love,
And some day I’ll sing with the angels above.
—Skeeter Davis
