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The central theme we address is found in 1 John 3:1-2 where the Apostle John exclaims, "See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know Him. Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is."
This passage emphasizes the profound reality of our divine adoption through God's love which makes us His children. It also looks forward to the transformation that awaits us when Christ returns. Let us explore what the Word of God reveals in these powerful truths.
The Apostle John, the beloved disciple of Jesus, pens this epistle towards the end of his life. John’s letters are pastoral and rich in affection, yet authoritative, as he addresses the believers in possibly Ephesus and the surrounding communities. The main thrust of this letter is an assurance of divine kinship with God through love, a response to the spread of doctrinal errors and moral decay in the church.
In the midst of persecution and false teachings, John reminds believers of their position in Christ and the hope that secures them. Understanding that the world did not recognize Christ, John cautions that the world will similarly not recognize the children of God. Yet, amidst this misunderstanding by the world, believers have the assurance of being transformed into the likeness of Christ.
Let us focus on two crucial words: "love" and "children."
By understanding 'Agapē' and 'Tekna,' we realize the depth and assurance of God’s love and our secure status as His children—a truth that the song captures as a repetitive affirmation of our place in God's family.
The lyrics of the song echo John’s majestic announcement of our identity as children of God, emphasizing the love bestowed upon us. This truth demands a response, first, in acknowledging the lavish love that redefines our identity. The phrase "we shall be like Him" echoes Romans 8:29, where Paul affirms that those God foreknew he predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son.
Here, we see a dual reality: present assurance and future hope. Presently, we are secure in our status as God’s children, a status the world fails to recognize due to its ignorance of Christ. Yet, amidst this, there is a future hope that drives us onwards: our transformation when Christ appears.
Cross-referencing John’s Gospel (John 1:12), we are given the right to become children of God, highlighting the relational dynamics established through faith in Christ. Now, as His children, we await the unveiling of our complete identity when Christ returns, an unveiling that reinsures us of His glorious nature imprinted on us.
First, meditate on your identity as God's child. Daily immerse yourself in the truth of His love and your adoption into His family. Let this revelation govern your demeanor and decisions.
Second, cultivate love as a response. Recognize that 'Agapē' is the foundation of your relationship with God and fellow believers. Practice love, sacrificial and inclusive, reflecting His character.
Third, prepare for transformation. Live with an eager expectation for Christ’s return, and in doing so, live a life that mirrors His holiness. As 2 Peter 3:11 encourages, "Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives."
Fourth, embrace obscurity from the world. Understand that not being recognized by the world is a badge of heavenly citizenship and not a deficiency. Our allegiance and approval are from God.
Let us make this proclamation based on these scriptural truths: "I am a child of God, loved with an everlasting love. My identity is secured and defined by my Heavenly Father. Though the world may not recognize me, I stand firm in the assurance of God’s love and eagerly await the unveiling of my full glory in Christ. When He returns, I shall see Him and be transformed to be like Him."
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the love that adopted us into Your family. We ask for the grace to comprehend the depth of Your love and live worthy of the calling as Your children. Strengthen our hearts to hold firm in our identity amidst a world that does not know us. Help us to live with an anticipation of Christ’s return, reflecting His glory today and yearning for that day when we shall see Him as He is. In Jesus' name, Amen.
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