In the same way we also, when we were children, were enslaved to the elementary principles of the world. But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of woman, born under the Law, to redeem those who were under the Law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, "Abba! Father!" So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God. Galatians 4:3-7

Years ago, a mother had finished helping her adopted teenage daughter fix her bright red hair for the senior prom.

Proudly, mother and daughter went to the backyard to find dad and get his approval.

The father took one look and, quite honestly, commented, "Darlin,' you're beautiful. But I don't know where you get that red hair. I'm a blonde and your mother's hair is very dark. Nobody in either of our families has hair that color."

The daughter listened and then, with a laugh, said, "Daddy, that doesn't count. Don't you remember, I'm adopted?"

To this the red-faced father confessed: "You know, honey, sometimes I forget you haven't always been my daughter. I forget because it seems that here, with us is where you were always supposed to be."

God, your Heavenly Father, doesn't forget.

He doesn't forget the ransom price that was paid for your adoption. He doesn't forget the cost that was paid to bring you back into His family. He remembers. He remembers that now you are where He always intended you should be.

Your adoption -- your release -- has been made possible through the Savior's coming. With faith in Jesus as your Savior, you have been released from the slavery of the past. By the Holy Spirit's calling you are renewed and restored, forgiven and free.

That is the way it is if you are part of God's family of faith.

And if, for some reason, you are reading this devotion and do not know Jesus Christ as your Redeemer, then please send me an e-mail. We at The Lutheran Hour, like all of Christianity, consider it our first job to introduce people to the Triune God who has done all that was necessary to allow us to be adopted into the family of faith.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, I give thanks You have brought me home. Grant that I may be used to touch others who do not know the Savior and are still on the outside of the family of faith, looking in. This I ask in Jesus' Name. Amen.

In Christ I remain His servant and yours,

Today's Bible Readings: Psalms 20-22    John 10:1-21

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