December 28

All Around this Globe

God sent his Son … for us so that he could adopt us as his very own children.

Galatians 4:4, 5 (NLT).

At this point in time there are at least 15-million orphans in our world … from HIV/AIDS alone. Fifteen million! Seems like a lot, and it is, but compare that with the billions who are spiritual orphans. Orphans God wants to adopt.

Do you remember the children’s song, Jesus Loves the Little Children?

Jesus loves the little children, all the children of the world.
Red and yellow, black and white, they are precious in His sight—
Jesus loves the little children of the world.

Finally, at 52 years of age, I am beginning to appreciate the personal and theological depth of that tune.

This last year, we have had the privilege of sponsoring four orphans: Ruth in Haiti, Uwamahoro in Rwanda, Yeshi in Ethiopia, and Divine in India. These kids are dirt poor, sure, but believe me, they have so much to offer. I see it in their faces; I hear it in their letters.

As God and His people have reached out in love—they have reached back—no longer spiritual orphans, they have become children of the King. And you know what? Though they still own next to nothing, they have so much more than many of the richest people on earth (see Ephesians).

You see, they have God as their Father. And so do I. And, I hope, so do you. We are family, and oh! the joy in that!


Father, thank You for making me Your child and for giving me such wonderful brothers and sisters all around this globe. Amen.