God's Glory Church

“And as many as received Him, to them was given power to become children of God…” – John 1:12

In 1859, Joshua Abraham Norton proclaimed himself Emperor of the United States. He made a fortune in shipping in San Francisco, but this did not seem enough to him, and he wanted to become the first emperor of America. When the local newspaper printed Norton’s “imperial” announcement, the readers simply laughed, but he himself was determined. Among other things, the newly minted “emperor” issued statements aimed at correcting the flaws of society, printed his own currency and even wrote letters to Queen Victoria, offering to marry him and unite the possessions. He wore a royal military uniform made by local tailors. But, of course, he was no king.

Many of us spend years searching for self-importance. We try to find our place in life, to “make a name for ourselves” (Gen. 11:4), but only God knows who we really are. And if we accept salvation in His Son Jesus Christ, He calls us His sons and daughters. John writes: “And to all who received Him, to them was given power to become children of God…” (Jn. 1:12). This belonging is a gift of His grace. We are children, “not of blood, nor of the lust of the flesh, nor of the lust of man, but born of God” (v. 13).

God gives us a new name and a new nature in Jesus Christ. There is no more need to compete and compare yourself with others. God tells us who we are.

Why do you think you are chosen by God? How does being one of His children help you understand who you really are?

God, I know that I belong to You. Help me to be sure that I was born of You, that I am a child of the King.

Author: Wynn Collier