One of the most pervasive images in both Scripture and church history for the relationship between God and us is that of parent and child. There are many instances where God is described in parenting terms, most frequently as father but mother shows up as well. This Sunday the lectionary provides us one of those instances.
Romans 8 is a well know chapter for many reasons but the paragraph that struck me this week was:
So then, brothers and sisters, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh — for if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received a spirit of adoption. When we cry, “Abba! Father!” it is that very Spirit bearing witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ–if, in fact, we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him. (Romans 8:12-17 NRSV)
I found myself going back to this familiar idea of us as God’s children and felt that revisiting it would be worthwhile. I am the first to admit the possibility of nothing new in what I had to say but the point of preaching, thankfully, isn’t novelty but truth. I think I got it but if you feel otherwise, please feel free to let me know in the comments or directly.
Knox Presbyterian God’s children (to download, right click and select “Save Link As . . .”)
St. Mark’s Presbyterian God’s children (to download, right click and select “Save Link As . . .”)
Blessings,
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