Waiting for Advancement (Romans 8:15-17)

In martial arts, there is an interesting and practical rule. A Sensei (dojo master) can never promote one his students to a rank higher than he is.  For example, if the Sensei is a 3rd degree black belt, all other black belts must wait to advance and can never equal a 3rd degree until the Sensei is advanced to a 4th degree or higher grade. In this manner, every student, even if they are a black belt, will always be below the rank of their teacher in their respective dojos.

Jesus turns this system upside down.

For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.
Romans 8:15-17

Do you only consider Jesus a great teacher? Certainly many of the people who followed him around and listened to Him thought that. But Jesus’ teaching challenged anyone who listened to Him to go far beyond a student-teacher relationship. Jesus promised that when we accepted Him as our Lord and Savior, we would be in the same relationship with God, the Father, as He is. We would be adopted as a child of God. We would be able to receive the same blessings, equal to Him!

There is no waiting for advancement once we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior! Jesus brings everyone into an equal relationship with God. How awesome a God who does this for us!

Love and respect the Lord; seek His will in your life.