January 26, 2016
Scripture Reading: 1 John 3:1-3
1See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 2Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. 3All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure.
Questions for Reflection:
The word translated “See” in verse 1 can also be translated “Behold!” John wants to grab the attention of his readers from the beginning of the verse. It’s as if the apostle is proclaiming, “Don’t miss what I’m about to tell you. This is good stuff!” What is the important truth that John doesn’t want his readers to gloss over?
Why is it so important to John that the church would understand their identity as children of God? John is helping shape their understanding of their identity and their purpose. While the world might reject the church, John wanted them to know that they were not alone. Their fundamental identity had been transformed by the work of Christ. He has adopted us into his family; we are now children of God. What is the implication of this truth? Derwin Gray, a pastor in South Carolina, explains the impact this can have on our life.
How does the fact that God in His love has chosen us to be called children of God impact our daily life? John answers in verse 3. When we understand what God has done for us, we seek to honor him. When my daughters were toddlers, they would mimic me. They would act like I did. I didn’t ask them to follow my example. They simply did because they loved me and they were my children. God wants us to take that same attitude with Him. We should desire to be pure simply because He is our Father and we love Him. Spend time today worshipping God for choosing us, for calling us to be children of God. Celebrate your identity in Him. Ask Him to continue the process of making you more like Him today and every day.