Scripture for Today: I John 3:1  “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.”

It’s a mystery how the Jerusalem Cricket got its name as it is neither from Jerusalem nor is it a true cricket! A possible origin could be the 19th century expletive, “Jerusalem,” elicited by its startling appearance! I sure wouldn’t want to be startled by this two-inch creature! Another idea is that early missionaries misunderstood the Navajo name of “skull insect” to be ‘Skull Hill.” This put in mind Golgotha outside of Jerusalem. The Spanish called this insect, “Nino de la Tierra” or “Child of the Earth.”

Today’s verse gives a different name for a child. God’s love can change one’s name from a “child of the Earth” to a “child of God.” God’s love is so great that in lavishing it on us, our identity is changed to be children of God. No longer do we belong to the world. As children of God we call Him Father and we call other believers in this worldwide family, brothers and sisters. The world often fails to recognize this family as they do not know the Father. And it is only through faith in Christ, His Son that we can belong to this family (Gal. 3:26).

I am a child of God. What an amazing humbling truth! As His child I no longer belong to the world or want to conform to it (Romans 12:2). No longer am I led by the current thinking or fad but instead I can be led by His Spirit (Romans 8:14). Because I have received Him and believed on His name, He has graciously made me His own (John 1:12). I am not always such an obedient child. There are times each day when I let down my Father. But unlike any human family relationship, I can always count on His love and forgiveness.

Thank you Lord, for making me Your child.

Scripture for Today: Galatians 3:28 “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

The Clownfish has a very different hierarchy and a unique way of preserving it. A group of clownfish will have just one breeding female among its males. She is the most important and mates with just one male, who then becomes second in importance. Following him is the biggest male and on down the line. But when she disappears, everything changes. The male biologically changes into a female! He takes her place and everyone moves up in the hierarchy!

Today’s verse changes every hierarchy whether based on race, status or gender. In Christ Jesus, there is a oneness that is found no where else in the world. The divisiveness of a hierarchy is gone. The power play over others is gone. Jesus Christ is the Head of every believer. And we all have the same position being members of His body and being submitted to Him. Being “in Christ” means we are all His children through faith, clothed with Him and belonging to Him. (verses 26-29)

These distinctions lose their importance when “in” Christ Jesus who is so far superior. And being in Him is not something future but is a reality today. Living out this truth is done imperfectly, though. It seems easier to be divided. It is natural for me to want the upper hand. But I can have the correct view of myself in relationship to others when I see my position in Him. The ground at the cross is level. Regardless of earth-made hierarchies we are united in needing continual forgiveness, grace and help.

Lord, help me to live this “oneness” with other believers today.