Adopted

‘I will announce’, says the king, ‘what the LORD has declared. He said to me, “You are my son; today I have become your father”’ (verse 7)

Read Psalm 2

‘How many children does God have?’ a student once asked me. ‘Does Jesus have any brothers and sisters?’ another chimed in. I am reminded of these questions each time I hear a Bible passage that refers to God as Father. Psalm 2 is a case in point.

This psalm paints a picture of the unstable political situation in Israel. The nations plot and war is close at hand. But God is not worried. He has placed a king on the throne, one he knows will rule with honour and wisdom.

God adopts this king as his own child, saying, ‘You are my son; today I have become your father’. This means that God’s divine peace and protection will be with the king and his people, even in the midst of trial and uncertainty.

Years later God sends another king, his ‘only begotten Son’, Jesus, who rules not from a throne but from a cross. Through baptism and faith in him, we too are adopted as children of God. We too can call God Father and delight in the peace and protection he offers.

Father in heaven, thank you for adopting me as your child and caring for me. Guide me this day. Bless and protect kings, queens and others in authority, so that they rule according to your will. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

by Ben Pfeiffer, in ‘Time Out… with Jesus’ (ACR, Openbook, 2014), used with permission

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