The other day I was meditating on one of our previous memory verses. It said:
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
1 Peter 2:9-10 (NIV)
The mention of being God’s special possession had caught my attention. It reminded me of how special it is to be a Son/Daughter of the living God.
As sons and daughters of the living God we receive many blessings and mercies every day without even realizing it. Our blessings and mercies do not come from what we do but rather they come from who God is. To help us understand this idea, let me share with you the inherited blessings and mercies that my daughter receives because of who I am.
When Maya was born she automatically inherited all that I have (not necessarily physical things or things of monetary value). In the words of Mufasa from The Lion King, “Everything the light touches is our [Maya’s] kingdom.”
Maya is a Pubalasingam and as a daughter in the Pubalasingam household, she has many privileges; some I didn’t even know she had. For example, Maya has the privilege of having my attention. If you are not the Lord, Jen, a family member or are not paying me my hourly rate as a registered psychotherapist (qualifying) you may not have this same privilege.
When Maya “calls”, she has my attention. She doesn’t have to earn it or pay my hourly rate, but when she simply “calls” out to me; I will listen. She might not get what she wants (mostly because I’m not fluent in baby talk so I don’t really know what she’s asking), but she will always get my attention.
As children of God we have inherited many privileges. Some we don’t even really know we have until the Lord reveals it to us. Here’s what I know as a Son of God: I have God’s attention.
He eagerly waits for us and gazes upon us with loving eyes. He recognizes our voice just like we recognize His. He enjoys watching us grow and cheers us on with full confidence in what He created. Sometimes we may be whining and throwing an adult tantrum but like the good good father He is, He waits for us to finish. He comforts us and speaks to us when He knows we’re ready to listen. He might not give us what we want at the moment but He’s willing to listen to us when we call on Him. That might even be more important than what we’re even asking for.
Maya is blessed because she has parents who love her and are committed to caring for her needs. We are only able to do that because we were loved and cared for as well. Personally, I find that when I have received love and care from God, I can love and care for others in a completely counter-cultural way. It is out of an overflow of the love and care from God that fuels us to love and care for others. It starts with being a Son and Daughter of God and receiving His love.
Father, I thank you that we love you because you loved us first. You chose us and created us out of love with love in mind. Help us to receive your agape love. We thank you for answering us when we call. Remind us of the many privileges we have because we are yours. Holy Spirit, speak to us today. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen!