Often when we think of adoption we think of a young couple growing their family. Once the child is adopted the couple's dreams of "having a family" are fulfilled and we rejoice that they are enabled through adoption to "be fruitful and multiply" and glorify God.
This is a good thing, yet there is much more to adoption. For one, there is the child that is being given and new family. And with that, a transformation.
First there is a transformation in the life of the child and the parents whose lives will never be the same.
Secondly, there is a transformation in the church community as adoption is experienced by members of the community and a new child is welcomed into the church family.
And, there is a transformation in society as a child is saved from the cycle of poverty that so often has them in their grip.
Given this third transformation, we would be wise when we think of adoption to think of the city.
In Jeremiah 29, we find God speaking to His people through His prophet. He reminds them of how they should view the city:
Multiply there (in the city), and do not decrease. But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on it's behalf, for in it's welfare you will find your welfare.
I love that reminder, "...in it's welfare you will find your welfare".
That is to say, we are all the same. No one person is better than the other. No one has a right to life more than his friend. We share equality in (our) humanity - or at least we should.
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