We were loyal fans of the PBS series “Downton Abbey” and went to see the movie. We enjoyed all the inside jokes and humor, since we knew the characters well. I don’t think anyone who is not familiar with the series would enjoy the movie, or at least they would miss a lot. We were reminded of the huge class difference between the servants and aristocracy. Those who belonged to the “family” received so many privileges, and even commoners who married into the family were elevated in status. Yet the servants were doomed to a life of servitude, poverty and dependency on their masters.
As we drove home, we commented on this, glad that we didn’t live in such a society. Yet, we were reminded that in a way, we do. We have become born into God’s family and receive such privileges as joint-heirs with Jesus. As non-Jews, we were “grafted in”—commoners that became the same status as sons and daughters. The Bible tells us that all of God’s riches are ours! The difference with us and the people in the series is that anyone can choose to become a son or daughter of God—that is not prevented by where we were born or who our family is. When we accept Jesus, we are “born again” into God’s special family. What an incredible privilege! The law of the world no longer has mastery over us. We are accepted, loved and known intimately in all our idiosyncrasies. Let's be thankful that we are part of the family of God!
“God sent his Son, …to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship. Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.” So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir.” (Galatians 4:4-7)
“I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe.” (Ephesians 1:18)