Chosen, Adopted, and a Cause

This weekend there are several MS150 riders who have chosen to ride from Houston to Austin for me.  It is the first time to participate for a few people while others have ridden for years.  Some are long time friends, others I have recently met, and some ride for me because a relative or friend told them about me.  It is humbling to know that these people have “adopted” me and are willing to train, raise funds, ride, and endure soreness and exhaustion in hopes of finding a cure for Multiple Sclerosis.

This week our family celebrated the anniversaries of two adoptions.  Friday we remembered and were grateful that a judge in Taiwan chose to make legal, on her  adoption decree day, what we had already experienced in our hearts; Mary was now the daughter of Abby and Scott and would be a part of our family.  We enjoyed sharing and celebrating Mary’s “Family Forever Day” with her.

Our grandson David’s father died before he was born.  After Chad and Lori married, Chad chose to adopt David as his own son.  Because Dave was a fine man, David continues to carry his father’s name, but is legally adopted by Chad.  Wednesday was the anniversary of Dave’s home going to Heaven.   This week we also remembered and gave thanks that two years ago, on the same date, David made his decision to become a follower of Christ, and be adopted into God’s family.  As he explains, he now has three daddies:  Daddy Dave in Heaven, Daddy, and God.

Easter reminded me, once again, that God also gives each one of us the opportunity to be adopted into His family, for now and eternity.  He longs to be our Father, giving us the privilege of being joint heirs with Jesus.  Jesus paid the price for our adoption in full.  

Whether it’s willingly riding 150 miles for a cause, adopting, or being adopted, love requires choices, action, and sacrifice.  

The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry “Abba, Father.”

Romans 8:15

But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship. Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.” So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir.

Galatians 4:4-7

For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will – to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.

Ephesians 1:4-6

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.

1 Peter 2:9