Anchorage: The Storm of Shame | Part 8 of 8Sample

Sonship Removes Shame

We do not often realize the magnitude of what Jesus has done for us. This lack of understanding opens the door for shame to get the best of us. We behave like servants on the run, hiding at the sight of the master yet still trying to earn His favor. It's a forgetfulness of our identity. It's a question if we truly believe that we are sons and daughters of the Most High.

However small, the letter Paul wrote to Philemon has a significant meaning. It showcases Paul’s generosity and love and is a beautiful parallel to what Jesus has done for us. Reading that book, one cannot help but notice the similarities between our situation and that of Onesimus. At one point, he had served as a slave to Philemon but was released. In this letter, Paul humbly requests that Onesimus be allowed to return to the care of Philemon, not as a slave, but as a dear brother in the Lord. Paul petitioned for Onesimus in this regard so that his status was forever changed from a slave to a son.

The correlation is strong, as this is what Jesus did for you and me. He petitioned on our behalf for sonship. It's this petition that was granted to reconcile us with the Father. We are no longer servants but elevated to the place of family. We are His own! When the Father calls us out as sons, we know we are accepted and not slaves. Sons approach boldly, without shame, because they know who and whose they are.

Reflection

How does it make you feel to declare that you are welcome in the family? What kind of images pop into your mind when you hear the word 'sonship.'