God's Children - Jake Vaden

Sunday, we started a new teaching series on the book of John. Two verses stuck out to me, especially,

“...To those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.” John 1:12-13 (NIV)

We have been given the right to become children of God. When you are someone’s child, you are family, you are in the tribe, there is an indescribably sense of belonging, unshakable love, and devotion. At times I seem to forget my identity as God’s child. I can have a lower view of myself. It reminds me of Moses’ story. When God calls him to be the leader of the Israelite exodus out of slavery to Egypt, Moses is insecure about his abilities and identity. He was an Israelite but raised in an Egyptian household. He fled Egypt after murdering an Egyptian slavedriver who was being harsh to an Israelite slave. He was a fugitive on the run out in the desert in a foreign land. God appears to Moses and declares who he is,

“I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob.” Exodus 3:6 (NIV)

Moses then proceeded to bring five diWerent questions or doubts about his ability or desire to follow through with what God was calling him to do. Each time God helps give him some encouragement and answers to his questions. I want to challenge all of us to remember our identity as God reminded Moses, we are children of God when we believe in the name of Jesus. My continual prayer for myself and those of you reading is that we would confidently remember the truth of who we are and who God is. God called Moses to liberate his people. What is God calling you or nudging you towards? May you reflect on who you are and what God is calling you to do. Remember that he promises to be with you always!

Jake Vaden
Family Pastor | Hope City Church