[Thursday's Devotional] - Brother and Father

…but you have received a spirit of adoption. When we cry, "Abba! Father!" it is that very Spirit bearing witness  with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ—if, in fact, we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him. Romans 8:15b-17 [NRSV]

There is an illustration of the Trinity that talks about an eternal dance of joy between the Father, the Son and The Holy Spirit taking place in Heaven from all eternity and the Son stepping to the edge of the dance floor and beckoning us to join the dance. The invite being made by outstretched, nail ripped hands on the cross.  What us? Join the dance? With you three in Heaven? Forever? Nah, you are kidding me. Well that's the offer. To be heirs and not just heirs, but joint heirs with Christ. Everything the Son gets he shares with us. Gulp!

So next time you are suffering, particularly if you are suffering for your love for Jesus in some way, remember your place in it all. You are suffering as your brother did and your place will be with him in glory. That's where you are headed. Yes you! In the dance! With the Triune God and the Saints in Heaven! Forever! Forever with your dad! True!

For prayer today. Think about what your 'Abba' Daddy has promised you. Thank him and thank him some more. Afterwards, keep thanking him.

John Martin-Jones