8/10/13 blog post
As a group, myself and my 9 teammates have two meetings a day that we call “family time” and it is so great. The girls on the team all crack me up and bring so many great things to the table, and I can see myself growing in Christ beside them, and it is beautiful. This morning we decided to switch it up and have our team time on the roof, overlooking the bustling road while enjoying the cool breeze. We have started a team Bible study, and are breaking down Ephesians, starting with Ephesians 1:1-11. This passage was definitely a lot to take in.
Ephesians is a letter written by Paul to the people of Ephesus, a very well off kingdom at the time. Basically, these people were wealthy and knew it. The beginning of this book is a reminder of who the true provider is, and who the people of Ephesus should lift their praises to instead of themselves, Jesus Christ.
The part of the passage that truly struck a chord with me was 1:5, “he predestined us to be ADOPTED as his sons, through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his PLEASURE and will…” I now believe I have an entirely new perspective and understanding of this passage after being in India for these short days.
In the orphanage where I first visited, the Victory House everything was in complete and utter chaos. Kids were screaming, crying, and in general just running all over the place. Why was it like that though? Their basic needs were being met; they had food, clean water, and clothes on their back. Honestly they are far better off than many of the people in the surrounding community. However something incredibly vital was missing… Love.
Our hearts and souls were made to love and be loved, it is an insatiable thirst that no matter who you are you want it to be quenched. Since many of the children do not get the attention their heart so craves, they act out. They cry hysterically, they scream in corners, they cause trouble. They are desperately crying out for a love that often does not get filled.
Then it hit me… that is our life without Jesus. While we may not be throwing a tantrum in a corner, our souls are desperate and look for any way to be filled. Our souls are orphans. We don’t know what to do or how to react to the feelings of emptiness and pain so sometimes we act out. Thankfully, before the Earth was created Christ adopted us. CHRIST. ADOPTED. US. Christ promised to help fill our hearts with an unfailing love that can only found through our Heavenly Father. Not only did he decided that he loved us and wanted it to be known, he also took pleasure in it!
It gives our father in heaven nothing but great joy at the thought of us being his adopted children, with all of our flaws and emotional baggage. Even when sometimes I feel like I am the chubby kid with glasses waiting to be picked to play dodgeball at recess. Not only does Jesus love having me on his team, he picked me before the Earth was even created.
