Paul used a wonderful example to explain how Jesus completely changed our lives and status. 1 Let me show you the implications of this. As long as the heir is a minor, he has no advantage over the slave. 2Though legally he owns the entire inheritance, he is subject to tutors and administrators until whatever date the father has set for emancipation.

It must be simply awful for children to lose their parents, which is made worse by other people then taking over their lives. Everything they do and want to do is now controlled by a stranger. Obviously, they may be too young to make their own decision, but it is still bad to have so many things that need to be put on the back burner for the time being.

3 That is the way it is with us: When we were minors, we were just like slaves ordered around by simple instructions (the tutors and administrators of this world), with no say in the conduct of our own lives. The people all stayed in the orphanage within the walls by powers much stronger than them. In reality this was a prison with no freedom. The people looked over their shoulders all the time wondering if evil would catch up with them.

But then the grace of God came into play: 4 But when the time arrived that was set by God the Father, God sent his Son, born among us of a woman, born under the conditions of the law so that he might redeem those of us who have been kidnapped by the law. 5 Thus we have been set free to experience our rightful heritage.

I’m reminded of a movie about a boy who grew up in an orphanage. Every time someone came to adopt a child he was overlooked. Again and again you could see the shock of being rejected on his face, almost experiencing it yourself. But one day someone appeared who was prepared to take him. He was overjoyed! Eventually he had his own mom and dad.

That is what Jesus came to do. Jesus changed our orphan status to real children. We became Jesus’ brothers and sisters. God became our real and true Father. We no longer live in the orphanage where salvation is simply a pipe dream. There is no sword hanging over our heads all the time. No, because we are Jesus’ real brothers and sisters, we share in the gifts of His grace.

So many people in life choose to be orphans. Why would you put your inheritance aside and choose to live in chains? No! We must live as the children of the King. We should live as saved people and enjoy life. We must show people what a great privilege it is to be part of Jesus’ family. We must show what it means to live free and enjoy life to the full.

Yes, we are no longer orphans. Jesus’ life here on earth has changed our status. Now we can live as true blue children of God.

Galatians 4:1-7

Reflection

What does it mean to you that you are no longer an orphan?

How does an orphan’s life differ from that of a child of God?

Can other people see it?

Prayer

Our father, how can an orphan say thank you? Actually, I don’t really know what it means to be called a real child of God. You must love us so very much to sacrifice your own Son, to have had Him nailed to the cross, actually offer Him as ransom so that orphans can truly become your real children. Thank you, Father. Amen