Add Two to the Family Tree

“The spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.” (Romans 8:16)

When you were born, you were held in your mother’s arms, and soon after you were passed into your father’s caring nurturing and ever-faithful arms. Now think about that Father who is holding you not as your heavenly father, but your heavenly Father (granted this may be a little hard to picture His face). Your brother, Christ, is standing next to Him, looking over you with caring eyes and you know in that moment that these people/person will lay down their life for you. What an intimate relationship you begin to cultivate. Personally, I like to think that Jesus is walking next to me wherever I go, sitting in the car next to me as I drive, and yes if the car is full, then that means He is on the hood. For a long time I had this image of a God who was far away, because He is whole separate from us except through Jesus. Lately I have come to the knowledge that he is indeed more intimate and close than I had imagined, instead of being just a puppeteer, he is a teacher, one who ever loving lets you choose how you want to do something, and then shows you the proper way if your way does not coincide with his. He does not grow angry; instead he must have a sense of humor, for his irony is ever present.  He is your father, your brother, and in a way he is you as the Holy Spirit works within you. How’s that for intimate?