Belonging at Last

Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and now am here. I have not come on my own; but he sent me. … He who belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God.”
John 8:42 & 47, NIV*

This group of Jewish listeners thought Jesus was saying they weren’t legitimate children in the line of Abraham—but He took it farther than that. He called them children of the devil.

Not that they were particularly evil or nasty, but that they couldn’t receive the truth and were naturally inclined to sinful behaviour.

In short, they were human. Children of the Fall, tainted by Adam’s and Eve’s disobedience.

Just like us.

But these were people who believed Jesus’ words (at least until this point). This conflict grew from His offer to set them free. “Who, us? We’re not slaves! The nerve of You!”

He wasn’t blaming them for not being able to hear. He understood the problem and that’s why He came to solve it. He was offering spiritual rebirth, the chance to actually hear God again. To belong in relationship with Him. To be adopted into His family.

We can have that. What could be worth more?

I don’t often hear Him in my spirit, and I’ve never heard Him audibly, but I know I belong. To Him, with Him, because of Him. He gives meaning to my life.

Creator God, because of Jesus I can call You Father. Because of Your Spirit in mine, I’m connected with You. You know what a deep need this meets, because You designed me this way. In Jesus You have accepted me. You’ve welcomed me. I am at home in You. I belong.

This week’s song is Kathryn Scott’s “I Belong”. Beautiful song, with some beautiful images in this video.

*New International Version (NIV) Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

4 thoughts on “Belonging at Last

  1. Stephanie

    Thank you for the wonderful reminder that we can call the God of All Creation our father because Jesus has made the way.

    Reply
    1. janetsketchley

      “God of All Creation”. Isn’t that comforting? I love thinking about the various names for God, because they say so much about who He is. And “Father” — yes — the very best possible, not like the images some of us have (not me, my dad’s terrific).

      Reply
  2. Susan Stewart

    Ah, Janet, sitting here in front of a blazing campfire, underneath a harvest moon, on a chilly evening in a provincial park in Northern Ontario, let me just say, “Thank you”. From a deep place in my heart that needed to be affirmed once again that “I belong.”. I am accepted in the Beloved – even though “I don’t hear his voice all that often…”

    My heart is sighing a great big, “AMEN”.

    Reply
    1. janetsketchley

      What a great location go spend some up-close time with God, Susan! I’m amazed you have Internet connection–must be one of those fancy phones that I think would be so useful. Thanks for sharing the description of your surroundings. They’re perfect.

      Reply

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