See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called children of God; and such we are. 

I John 3:1

Our dog, Keeper, gave birth to two puppies a few weeks ago.  One boy and one girl.  I asked my son and my grandson (repeatedly) to give them a name so we didn’t have to refer to them as “the boy” and “the girl.”

A few days ago, I saw my son who is twenty-one years old give the female her name.  He held her up in front of his face and looked her in the eyes.  He said, “I am naming you My Chosen One. I will call you Chosen.”  The expression on his face was one of complete love.

This scene played over and over in my mind.  He never knew I saw him christen her but I will never forget it.

Two families have committed to adopting these puppies.  The decision was made before they were ever born.  They had no idea what gender or color or disposition the dogs would have and these things didn’t matter to them.  They only wanted a puppy to love, to add to their family and to provide a forever home for. Odds are, they will have different names than the ones they received here.

Likewise, before our parents ever laid eyes on us, before they knew the gender we would be or the temperament we would have, God chose us.  He chose us to be a member of His family, to be adopted as sons and daughters and to share in the forever home He has provided.

Can you picture Him holding you up and looking into your eyes and calling you Chosen?  Can you allow yourself to see the love in His eyes and to feel the commitment in His heart?

Anyone who has ever raised up a puppy knows that regardless of how adorable they are, they make mistakes.  Sometimes, they chew on things they aren’t supposed to chew on and sometimes, they make messes where they aren’t supposed to.  Puppies being puppies.  These actions don’t change the love that is in the heart of the family that adopted them.

God knew before we were even born that we would make mistakes, He knew down to the details what these mistakes would be and yet, He chose us.  He adopted us.  He called us His child. He prepared a place for us in His forever home.

Amazing love!

Father, thank You for choosing me, for loving me and desiring that I be a part of Your family.  Forgive me for the times I have doubted Your love and mercy.  What an honor to be called Your child.  Help me to accept that love and willingly pass it on to others.  In Jesus’ name, amen.

I would love to hear from you. Please let me know if I can be praying for you as well.

pic credit:  John Reid