Reading
For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God.
Romans 8:14 (NRSV)
Reflection
Pastor Brandon’s sermon this past Sunday centered in many ways on Romans 8:14–17. In this passage, Paul explains that because of Christ’s action on the cross, we are no longer slaves to sin. The Spirit then works within us to empower transformation and help us overcome our sinful nature (v. 13).
Then Paul says something remarkable. In verse 14, he declares that through the Spirit, we are not slaves at all — we have become children of God. He continues by reminding us that we don’t have to live in fear, because we belong to God. We can even address God as “Abba,” an intimate word for father — like “Daddy.” The Spirit enables a relationship that close, that personal. And in verse 17, Paul adds that as adopted children, we are heirs — recipients of God’s inheritance, a status we now share with Christ.
But where do we begin?
We begin by admitting that we are completely incapable of making ourselves whole on our own. We confess that we are powerless. This quote has been especially helpful for me:
“Both the Gospel and the Twelve Step Program insist that the experience of powerlessness is the absolutely necessary starting point for transformational healing. This is perennial wisdom. Jesus called it the way of the cross, and he told us to follow him on the downward journey into powerlessness. It is there where we will find what is real, what lasts, and what matters. Through the crucifixion, Jesus showed us that powerlessness is the way through. It is not the end, but truly the beginning.”
— Richard Rohr, “Powerlessness,” Daily Meditation, June 15, 2014
In Romans, Paul connects the helplessness of the cross with the arrival of the Holy Spirit. He reminds me that when my world feels most broken, I don’t have to be afraid — the Spirit is with me, claiming me as God’s beloved child.
Prayer
Today, Holy Spirit, take away my fear. Help me to live as a beloved child of God. Amen.
