Behold! What manner of love has the Father lavished upon us! Consider who we were. Consider what we still feel ourselves to be when corruption rages powerful within us. And then wonder at our adoption—that we are called the children of God!

What a high relationship this is—a son of God! What privileges it brings! Think of the care and tenderness a son expects from his father, and the love a father feels toward his son. All of that, and more than that, we have right now through Christ.

As for the temporary drawback of suffering with our elder brother? We accept it as an honor! "The world knows us not because it knew him not." We are content to be unknown with him in his humiliation, for we are to be exalted with him.

"Beloved, now are we the sons of God." That is easy to read. It is not so easy to feel.

How is it with your heart this morning? Are you in the lowest depths of sorrow? Does corruption rise within your spirit while grace seems like a poor spark trampled underfoot? Does your faith almost fail you?

Fear not! It is neither your graces nor your feelings on which you are to live. You must live simply by faith on Christ. With all these things against us—now, in the very depths of our sorrow, wherever we may be—now, as much in the valley as on the mountain: "Beloved, now are we the sons of God."

"Ah, but," you say, "see how I am arrayed! My graces are not bright! My righteousness does not shine with apparent glory!"

But read the next: "It does not yet appear what we shall be, but we know that when he shall appear, we shall be like him." The Holy Spirit shall purify our minds, and divine power shall refine our bodies. Then shall we see him as he is!