Galatians 4:4-7 (NRSV)
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Verse 4But when the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, Verse 5in order to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as children. Verse 6And because you are children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, "Abba! Father!" Verse 7So you are no longer a slave but a child, and if a child then also an heir, through God.
Devotion
Kathy Kim was 18 months old when she came from Seoul, South Korea, to become part of our family. When she was four, the time came for her to appear in court to finalize the adoption. That morning, with a glowing smile on her face, she told a neighbor, "I'm gonna get 'dopted today!" In the judge's chambers she sat tall and proud and listened to the grown ups talk with big words well beyond her understanding. Then, with almost no ceremony, we shook hands and the event was over.
"Am I 'dopted now?" she asked.
"Yes, you're now adopted."
"Oh, good."
Her anticipation seemed more dramatic than the actual event itself, which seemed to matter more to me than to her. When we returned home we had a big party with decorations and music. Now, that's fulfillment in my book.
Perhaps our anticipation of God's heavenly banquet is extravagant. But, I predict, the actual celebration will be even better.
Prayer
God of our future, fill our hearts with the excitement of anticipating the good gifts yet to come. Give us a hunger now for the justice and peace and harmony you will serve in the heavenly banquet. Amen.