Ephesians 1:5
“having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will”.
Some had great family experiences in which they had a great father or mother. Many didn't. Coming to Christ and experiencing His adoption is a second chance. We can have the most amazing Father. The smartest, One that's always there and is willing to help, One that gave us the bible which is full of great advice, one that can fill the ache in the human heart, One that wants to provide a purpose and great life direction, He adopts us into a new family with many spiritual siblings and so on.
Jesus offered the Lord's prayer which begins like this, "Our Father who art in heaven". That brings much comfort. My father passed away when I was two. While I had a stepfather, he was never fatherly. I've always had a yearning for that father/son connection. This prayer that Jesus gives connects me to my heavenly father.
Over the decades as a christian He's provided protective guidance that saved me from bad places. He's given good friends and mentors and mentees that have knit together what was missing from not having a father. Like an expert surgeon or counselor, He's seen the many areas that needed repair and has provided circumstances that has highlighted issues and aided in the fix.
The Promise Keepers movement of the eighties launched men's ministries to new level's. While we had a monthly men's breakfast at church which was great, this was new and different. I began meeting with guys constantly, several times per week. I still do this. I have lunch with guys at least three times per week, a men's group at lunch and breakfast with guys on the weekend several times per month. While this is helpful to them, it is for me as well. These are brothers in Christ. Some aren't in Christ yet, but God is reaching them. My Father gave me this ministry. We connect as brothers and we both connect to the Father. I feel His pleasure.
Our adoption into the family of God has brought us into relationship with those who are our brothers. The Lord carves out our places to belong. As we walk in obedience to Him, He will bring us into relationships. There is mutual blessing. Paul describes it this way in Romans 1:12, "that is, that I may be encouraged together with you while among you, each of us by the other’s faith, both yours and mine." As we give, the Lord gives back tenfold.
God, thank You for this great adoption. Being Your son and a connected to many awesome brothers has been so healing. Thank You.