by Gretchen Watkins
Matthew 3:17; Galatians 4:4-5
When my daughter Phoebe was in first grade, I visited her school one day. One of her friends saw me and instead of saying, “Hi, Ms. Gretchen” or “Hi, Mrs. Watkins,” she said, “Hi, Phoebe’s Mom!” And I loved it. When my son Phillip was very young, he also had friends who would call me “Phillip’s mom.” And I loved it.
Being known as Phillip or Phoebe’s mom is one of the most special ways I can think to be identified. I also love to be referred to as “Daniel’s’ wife,” “Phil and Mary’s daughter,” or “Stephanie’s sister.” A huge part of my identity are the relationships I have with these people.
When Jesus was baptized, Mathew 3:17 tells us he came up from the water, and a voice came from heaven saying, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” Does God also view us this way? “But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.” (Galatians 4:4-5)
Just as God proclaimed his paternal relationship to Jesus at his baptism, our baptism proclaims God’s relationship as our father. During this season of Lent, we should reflect on the wonderful reality that the most important relationship that defines our identity is that of “God’s child.”
Prayer
God, thank you for allowing us to be known as your children. You are such a gracious Father. We love you and rejoice that you love us, too. Help us to remember every day that our identity is in you.
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