Romans 8:14-17 (NRSV)
Read Romans 8:14-17 on biblegateway.com
Verse 14For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. Verse 15For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received a spirit of adoption. When we cry, "Abba! Father!" Verse 16it is that very Spirit bearing witness with our spirit that we are children of God,
Verse 17and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ-if, in fact, we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him.
Devotion
Jose, a 19-year-old Hispanic man, recently graduated from high school. He had to say goodbye to his parents who, after being employed for several years as farm workers in the U.S., returned to Mexico to care for a younger brother and sister. Supported by non-government monies, Jose is bright and taking a load of seven courses and doing well in all of them. He realizes that his chances of failure are high, but refuses to give in to the fears that he will not make it. He works hard because he must finish as quickly as possible; he never knows when he will be forced to return to Mexico. His friends, and the new community of faith that he has found, believe in him. He is like an adopted child to them. He is an heir of Christ and knows that Christ shares in his suffering. He realizes that he is loved and desires to share in Christ’s glory as a child of God.
Prayer
In the Spirit, we receive adoption as sons and daughters of your kingdom, Lord. Help us to invite and welcome all who are a part of your family. Let the Spirit work in them and in us and so extend your body of faith. May all those who face uncertainty because of their immigration status be blessed with a caring community. Amen.