God’s pleasure in adopting us.
Ephesians 1:5 God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure.
I find this utterly amazing; when God adopted me into his family ‘it gave him great pleasure.’ How the mystery deepens!
I’m sure you will be able to list a hundred and one things that give you pleasure. Experiences might range from a luxurious wallow in a hot bath to standing on the summit of Ben Nevis on a cloudless day; from a leisurely meal in your favourite restaurant to contemplating a gold-medal garden at Chelsea. The sheer pleasure of the experience can take your breath away and leave you with a memory you can never forget.
God felt that way when he adopted you into his family!
When Jesus was baptised a voice came from Heaven saying “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy.” God said much the same to you when he adopted you into his family.
Doubtless there are ups and downs in family relationships – and we may get that way in our relationship with our heavenly Father. It won’t be his fault – only mine. But God will never run away from that position of total acceptance of his adopted child.
Your relationship with God today will give Him pleasure; even if for a while you prove a little wayward, as you turn back to him he will feel the pleasure of welcoming you as his adopted and precious child.