The Triune God Is in a Close Relationship With Us – Family Devotion – June 4, 2021

Read: Romans 8:14-17

For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.”
Romans 8:14-15

The Triune God Is in a Close Relationship With Us

 

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Ashley had been waiting for months. Ever since she had gotten her driver’s license, she had been looking forward to driving herself and her friends on an overnight trip. Even more exciting, her dad was finally willing to lend her the car for two whole days! Dad talked to her often about the big responsibility that she would have. Dad made sure she knew exactly where she was going and what to do if she faced a problem like a flat tire. “You can always call me…” he kept saying. “No matter where you are or what time it is… call me, and I’ll make sure to pick you up.”

It is such a comfort to have someone who we can always call. Someone who can give us help and advice when we’re stuck or in trouble. Someone who cares for us and is ready and eager to help when we are in need. That’s one of the reasons the relationship we have with our own parents or other grown-ups who take care of us is so special. Even if we’re in big trouble—even trouble that is our own fault—it’s a great comfort to know we have someone to call.

With God our Father, Jesus our Savior, and the Holy Spirit our Counselor, we always have someone to call! When we find ourselves lost, or fearful, or afraid, God hears us when we call on him. Even when our troubles have come from our own sins and failures, God still calls us his children.

God not only calls us his children, he made us his children. When we were baptized, God himself put his name on us and made us a part of his family. The name into which we were baptized reminds us of the beautiful power of the Trinity: “I baptize you in the name of the Father and the Son and of the Holy Spirit!” Baptism makes us children of God who are forgiven from our sins. Baptism makes us sons and daughters of God who will be a part of God’s family forever in heaven.

When we think of the Holy Trinity, we think of a God who made us part of his family and who will always rescue us when we are in trouble and lead us back home to him. “You can always call me,” he says. We say, “Thank you, Father!”

Closing Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank you for sending your Son, Jesus, to save me and make me a part of your family. Thank you also for sending your Holy Spirit to lead me to know all about you. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

• Name two people you want to help you when you are in trouble. Why them?
• What are the names of the three persons who saved us from trouble when we were baptized?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• There is a special kind of love that a child adopted into a family share with each other. How does it make you feel to know you have been “adopted” into God’s family?
• What’s the difference between “slaves” and “sons” according to Paul?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Paul says that the Holy Spirit gives us the faith to call God our Father. Name two ways your life would be different if the Holy Spirit had NOT given you faith.
• Agree or disagree: “Being a child of God is both an honor and a responsibility.” Explain.

Hymn: CW 449:1,4 – Children of the Heavenly Father

Children of the heav’nly Father
Safely in his bosom gather;
Nestling bird or star in heaven
Such a refuge ne’er was given.

Though he giveth or he taketh,
God his children ne’er forsaketh;
His the loving purpose solely
To preserve them pure and holy.