Compare Moses' adoption to our adoption as God's children (Romans 8:15). Setting the Scene Adoption is not a metaphor the Bible grabs at randomly; it is a concrete, historical reality God wove into Scripture long before Paul ever penned Romans 8:15. By looking at Moses’ literal rescue and palace adoption, we gain a living preview of the greater, spiritual adoption believers now enjoy in Christ. Moses’ Adoption: Exodus 2:1-10 • Rescued from certain death: Pharaoh decreed every Hebrew boy be cast into the Nile (Exodus 1:22). • Placed in an ark of reeds, covered with pitch—echoing Noah’s ark of salvation (v. 3). • Drawn out by Pharaoh’s daughter: “She named him Moses and said, ‘I drew him out of the water’” (Exodus 2:10). • Given full sonship privileges in Egypt’s royal family—education, protection, inheritance prospects (Acts 7:22). • Still nursed by his own mother, preserving a link to his birth identity and heritage (Exodus 2:7-9). • Prepared within the palace to become Israel’s deliverer. Our Adoption: Romans 8:15 “For you did not receive a spirit of slavery that returns you to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship, by whom we cry, ‘Abba, Father!’”. • Rescued from death in sin (Ephesians 2:1-5). • Placed into Christ, the true Ark of salvation (1 Peter 3:20-21). • Drawn out of the domain of darkness and transferred into the kingdom of God’s beloved Son (Colossians 1:13). • Given the Spirit, sealing our status as God’s children (Ephesians 1:13-14). • Granted intimate access—“Abba, Father!”—and promised a full inheritance with Christ (Romans 8:17). • Prepared and empowered to serve as ambassadors of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:20). Parallels to Notice • Divine Initiative – Moses: Could not save himself; God orchestrated every detail. – Believers: “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). • From Death to Life – Moses: Nile waters of judgment became waters of deliverance. – Believers: Baptized into Christ’s death and raised to new life (Romans 6:4). • New Name, New Identity – Moses: Named “Drawn Out.” – Believers: Called “children of God” (1 John 3:1). • Access to Royal Privilege – Moses: Grew up in a palace. – Believers: Seated “with Him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2:6). • Purpose Beyond Personal Comfort – Moses: Groomed to lead Israel out of bondage. – Believers: “Created in Christ Jesus for good works” (Ephesians 2:10). Greater Fulfillment in Christ Moses’ adoption was temporal, earthly, and vulnerable—he eventually fled Egypt and forfeited palace rights. Our adoption is eternal, heavenly, and irrevocable: “He predestined us for adoption as His sons through Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 1:5). The palace that welcomed Moses could still crumble; the Father’s house prepared for us never will (John 14:2). Living Out Our Adoption Today • Reject Fear The “spirit of slavery” whispers you must earn God’s favor. The Spirit of sonship assures you already have it. • Embrace Intimacy Cry “Abba.” Speak to God as naturally as a child to a loving dad. • Walk in Royal Responsibility Carry yourself as one who represents the King. Integrity, compassion, courage—palace traits should mark daily life. • Remember Your Rescue Regularly recount how God drew you out, just as Israel remembered being drawn through the Red Sea. Gratitude fuels obedience. • Anticipate the Inheritance Suffering now cannot compare with the glory to be revealed (Romans 8:18). Live with that horizon in view. Moses points to it; Christ secures it. Rejoice—you have been drawn out and adopted forever. |
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