Part of the Family

<p><em>Downton Abbey</em> was a popular British television drama that followed the fictional Crawley family as they navigated a changing social structure in early 1900s England. One of the key characters, Tom Branson, initially worked as the family&rsquo;s chauffeur before shocking everyone by marrying the youngest Crawley daughter. Following a period of exile, the young couple returned to Downton Abbey and Tom became part of the family, gaining access to rights and privileges he had been denied as an employee.</p> <p>We were once considered &ldquo;foreigners and strangers&rdquo; (Ephesians 2:19) and excluded from the rights given to those who are part of God&rsquo;s family. But, because of Jesus, all believers, regardless of their background, are reconciled to God and called &ldquo;members of his household&rdquo; (v. 19).</p> <p>Being a member of God&rsquo;s family brings incredible rights and privileges. We can &ldquo;approach God with freedom and confidence&rdquo; (3:12), enjoying unlimited, unhindered access to God. We become part of a larger family, a community of faith to support and encourage us (2:19&ndash;22). Members of God&rsquo;s family have the privilege of helping each other grasp the enormity of God&rsquo;s lavish love (3:18).</p> <p>Fear or doubt could easily make us feel like an outsider, keeping us from accessing fully the benefits of being part of God&rsquo;s family. But hear and embrace once more the reality of God&rsquo;s free and generous gifts of love (2:8&ndash;10), and bask in the wonder of being His.</p>