“For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.” – Romans 8:15
Every adoption story begins with separation. Children scattered across the world by circumstances beyond their control—poverty, war, abandonment, or tragedy. But the most beautiful adoption stories don’t end with that scattering. They end with a new family, a new name, and a new inheritance. Today’s readings tell the ultimate adoption story: how God pursued His scattered, rebellious children and brought them home through the blood of His Son.
The Great Rebellion (Genesis 11:1-9)
Like Isaiah’s words, “All we like sheep have gone astray,” Babel shows humanity in full rebellion against God. These weren’t innocent people trying their best—they were deliberately defying God’s command to spread across the earth, choosing instead to build a monument to their own glory. “Let us make us a name,” they declared, rejecting God’s authority entirely. The scattering that followed wasn’t just punishment; it was the natural consequence of sin. Like sheep wandering from the fold, humanity found itself lost, confused, and separated—not just from each other, but from God Himself.
The Patient Father (Psalm 104:24-34, 35b)
Even as His children rebelled and scattered, God didn’t abandon them. Psalm 104 reveals God’s incredible patience, sustaining rebellious humanity while His plan of redemption unfolds. Every breath the scattered take, every meal they eat, comes from the hand of the God they rejected. But this isn’t just kindness—it’s purpose. God is patiently working toward the day when His Son will make a way for these lost sheep to come home. His longsuffering isn’t weakness; it’s love preparing the way for salvation.
The Way Home Promised (John 14:8-17, 25-27)
Jesus reveals the Father’s heart and promises the means of our adoption. When Philip asks to see the Father, Jesus essentially says, “You’ve been looking at Him all along.” But more importantly, Jesus promises the Holy Spirit—not just as a comforter, but as the one who will make adoption possible. Without the Spirit’s work, we remain orphans and rebels. With Him, we become children who can cry “Abba, Father.” The Spirit isn’t just a nice addition to faith; He’s the one who enables faith, conviction of sin, and the new birth that makes us God’s children.
The Gospel Goes Global (Acts 2:1-21)
Pentecost reverses Babel, but not through cultural celebration—through gospel proclamation. The scattered Jews who had been living in foreign lands suddenly hear the wonderful works of God proclaimed in their own languages. This isn’t just about inclusion; it’s about salvation. Peter immediately preaches Christ crucified and risen, and 3,000 souls are saved that day. The same Spirit who confused languages at Babel now uses those languages to declare the one message that can save: Jesus Christ is Lord. The scattering that began in rebellion becomes the vehicle for the gospel to reach the ends of the earth.
From Orphans to Heirs (Romans 8:14-17)
Paul reveals the miracle: those who were once scattered rebels are now adopted children. But this didn’t happen through good intentions or cultural understanding—it happened through the Spirit applying Christ’s work to our hearts. We’re not just welcomed into God’s family despite our rebellion; we’re made joint-heirs with Christ because of His sacrifice. The Spirit doesn’t just make us feel included; He transforms us from enemies into children, from condemned to justified, from dead in sin to alive in Christ.
Closing
The story that began with rebellious scattering ends with redeemed gathering—but only because Jesus paid the price for our rebellion and the Spirit applied His work to our hearts. We celebrate the gospel’s power to transform rebels into children. God didn’t just want us back in His presence; He wanted us as His heirs. The scattering was the consequence of sin, but God used even our rebellion to spread His salvation to every corner of the earth.
Points to Ponder
• How does understanding your former rebellion (not just distance) change your gratitude for adoption?
• What does it mean that God used the consequences of sin (scattering) to accomplish salvation?
• How does knowing adoption comes through Christ’s sacrifice, not your effort, change how you approach God?
• In what ways should the reality of 3,000 souls saved at Pentecost shape your view of evangelism?
Prayer
Father, we were not just scattered—we were rebels who deserved judgment. Thank You for Your patience while we wandered as lost sheep, and thank You for sending Jesus to seek and save us. Thank You that through His blood and Your Spirit, we who were enemies are now called Your children. Help us never forget the cost of our adoption or take for granted the grace that transformed us from rebels to heirs. Use us to proclaim this same gospel to other scattered sheep who need to come home. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
“And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” – Acts 2:21
Josh Cehulik 