Dwight Fletcher | Christ makes us capable

When God calls us to evangelise to the world, heal the sick, be a change agent in our areas of influence and bring restoration to our family, it’s Christ living in us that makes us capable.”I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13. The call of God on our lives to represent Christ and exercise power in His name is big, but we can do it because of Christ.”In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will” Ephesians 1:4-5 (NIV). Our identity is “child of God” when we become saved. Part of this is our adoption into the family of God. Romans 8:17 tells us that we become heirs to the Kingdom and co-heirs with Christ.

As part of the family of God we’re called to be about our Father’s business, since we now have a stake in it. Often we’re more willing to take the place of a servant or slave than that of a son, because we can’t see ourselves higher than that. Sometimes we feel that is too honoured a position. “But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, 5. to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship. 6 Because you are His sons, God sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.” 7. So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are His child, God has made you also an heir.” Galatians 4:4-7 (NIV). We are sons.The word ‘son’ is used to demonstrate to us that, as children of God, we have access to everything God has for us.

RIGHT FELLOWSHIP

In the account of the prodigal son, the younger son broke fellowship with his father and asked for His inheritance. The passage says, “The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them.” Luke 15:12 (NIV).

The younger son went out and did wrong, while the older one stayed home. After a while, the younger spent all he had and hard life drove him to his senses. He concluded that it was better to return home (Luke 15:18-19). Many of us are like this son.We are filled with guilt and shame, judging and condemning ourselves based on our past so much that we demote ourselves to the lowliest.

God is looking to our future, as forgiven, world changers, strong and mighty warriors. God is looking at what we can become. God is like the father of the prodigal son. “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate.” Luke 15:22-23 (NVI). We don’t understand God. His love is beyond our understanding. The ring on His finger immediately reinstated him to the place of authority. The shoes that were placed on his feet signalled his return to his standing as a son, not a servant. We are called to be sons serving the Father.

Even if we’ve lost our way, God is calling us back home to Him. Once we are His children, we are always children of God. God is calling all His children to come into right fellowship; to step up to the plate and be counted.