Oh, what is it about babies, puppies and kitties that's just so irresistible? You just want to hold them, cuddle them, whisper little unintelligible things to them in goofy voices. It's the same way with down syndrome children, they are about the most lovable people on earth! So pure and unadulterated with the cynicism that comes with age, experience or heartbreak. Our hearts (as they should) invariably go out to those that can't defend themselves, or who need protection, or nurturing. Wouldn't you say they have a right to be loved, protected, nurtured, cared for? As opposed to abused, neglected, harmed, ignored? Of course!
I don't know if we realize it, but we are those puppies, kitties and babies to our Heavenly Father. Our birthright is to be loved, nurtured, cared for, and protected by Him. I've lived an entire life without standing unashamed before my Heavenly Father, with my arms wide opened, ready to receive my birthright! But it's never too late. I am His beloved child, hungry, cranky, and needing to be held. I am that little lost lamb wandering around, needing a shepherds gentle guidance. I am His kids wandering around in the desert looking for my place in this world. I am Rahab, the woman at the well, the woman caught in adultery...beaten down by shame and sins I'd rather not mention. I am David, Gideon, and Jonah, complicated, messy and human, yet full of Him all at once! I am Peter...spouting off at the mouth one minute and falling on my face in worship and adoration, the next. I am Joseph, surviving injustice, betrayal and heartbreak, yet seeing the golden thread of 'His working all things together for good' in my life. I am Mary...sitting at His feet enjoying every word that comes out of His mouth, and I am Martha, worrying and anxious about the dumbest little things.
I'm a paradox. A contradiction. I am a beautiful mess. Just like my com-padres in the Bible. Can you relate? But I'm his kid. We're his kids. Whatever is lacking in your life, your heart, your emotions, your relationships, know this, it's not His doing. And He isn't standing there with His checklist of where you don't measure up. He sees the messes, but the thing that is front and center is your birthright. Those are the lenses through which He sees you and me. The debt was paid, the inheritance of His firstborn is now ours and He sees us as beautiful, beloved, children. His arms are open wide. Always. Always. Always.
If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.
Galatians 3:29
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