Our scripture this morning is John 1:11-13 (ESV).
He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.
In this passage John tells us our right to be known as the children of God is not a matter of ethnicity or nationality, but solely on believing in Jesus and following the way He has shown us. God chose the nation of Israel as His people, and led them in love. Through Christ we are all invited to be part of His kingdom. Belief in Jesus as God’s Son sent to redeem us is the only way to be saved. No human action of our own or others can accomplish this. When we believe, we have “the right to become children of God”, but also a responsibility to care for one another and ensure the Good News is spread everywhere.
Gracious God, thank You for Your love given to us through the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Bless us to continue the mission He left us, to share Your love with all the world. Amen.
