Adoption: We’re All Candidates

Maclane's family "support group"

This weekend we’re holding a special celebration to officially welcome our grandson, Maclane, into the family. He’s been with us for months, but his adoption was finalized last week.

What a delightful, happy little baby he is – and how blessed we are to have him in our extended family. God has wonderful surprises for us as we move through life, and he’s one of them.

Before Maclane’s arrival, I never thought much about adoption. In the ‘80s my wife and I were foster parents to two foster babies while arrangements were being completed for adoptive families. But the idea never hit home, so to speak, before Maclane. Even Bible passages about adoption didn’t seem particularly meaningful. That’s changed, however.

Dad, Mom and Maclane

Romans 8:23 states, “…(we) groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons.” Galatians 4:5 adds, “…we might receive the full rights (adoption) of sons.” And Ephesians 1:4-5 declares, “For he (God) chose us in him before the creation of the world… predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will.”

There’s deep theology in those verses, but what stands out to me is although Maclane was not born biologically into our family, he was specifically chosen by his mom and dad, Sarah and Alan, to become their son. Maclane had no voice in the matter – but as you can see from the photo, he’s good with their decision.

His DNA is different, but he has full rights of a son – and always will. His biological parents could not keep him, but Maclane has a loving home where he’ll receive the nurture any child needs.

In John 15:16, Jesus told His followers, “You did not choose me, but I chose you….” Maclane didn’t select his parents, but they’ve accepted him, offering a life he couldn’t have imagined.

Those of us that are children of God also share the privilege of being chosen, handpicked by the Lord to become “heirs having the hope of eternal life” (Titus 3:7).

The singing group, Third Day, has a video, “Children of God.” In it, adoptive children slowly appear on screen wearing t-shirts that read, “ADOPTED.” By the end of the video, everyone – even their parents – wears the same shirt. Because if you’re a member of God’s eternal family, you’re adopted.

We might not fully “get” what that means right now, but the Bible assures that’s as good as it gets.