I met a group of guys at the gym today. It's kind of a new ritual we've started. A few firefighter's getting together to do two of the other things we're really good at: Talking, and lifting weights. Well, talking anyway. We don't do it cause we're super spiritual, or even really great guys, we actually do it because we're just plain old guys... And we need to be reminded constantly of where we stand, and why we do what we do.
Before we start each morning, we do a brief devotional, and this morning's was good enough to share here.
Thomas Stokes, a Captain with Augusta Fire, and a long time friend of mine, coined the phrase above while we were discussing our Christian roles in male relationships- brother to brother, Father to Son, Etc, and how often our perception is horribly squed when we define those roles. I must admit that when he said " Sonship", I was lost for a second.
"Wait- What? Did we just get all Sci-Fi, or something?"
No.
What we were discussing had nothing to do with that "Sun", and everything to do with THE "Son". We discussed the Father's perfect love for his son-
How in Galatians 4, we are called "Joint heirs" with Christ; Sons, and not Slaves.
What does that mean?
Do you have a son? If so, you'll relate to this story of Thomas' son. If not then maybe it will clarify "Sonship" for you.
Thomas had to leave our workout session early today. He was going to be with his young son while his wife worked, and he began to describe what that generally entailed. Thomas related something every father with small children is aware of- that "frequent interruption" thing children have mastered.
You know, where you're completely engrossed in an activity, a project, whatever- and you can't stop without risking losing your place, your work, or your time. Your brow is twisted into a furrow of deep concentration, and just as you finally manage to get to that last step....
A tiny face that is just out of view leans in close, and with it's tiny little voice, interjects the single word that brings your project to a halt- "Daddy?"
"What do you do?" I asked.
"I stop what I'm doing." Thomas replied, "And I say- ok, I'm looking at you, what do you want ?"
He then explained that invariably, the little interrupter will say "ummmm.... I don't know.", or "Nothing, Daddy."
Thomas explained that his son, like sons everywhere, just wants his attention.
"Then What?" I laughed.
"I stop everything else." He said, "And give him my attention."
I think we all recognize a child's quest for attention in this little story. But do we also see a Father's willingness to stop everything, to bring a project or a day to a screeching halt.... Just so his son knows he's loved?
Do we recognize ourselves in the example of a child playing on, secure in the knowledge that one single word brings his Father's undivided attention, not because he is imperiled, or sick, or in need... But just because he desires his father's attention?
That's what Sonship means.
Well that is how I visualize "Sonship". The idea, that a single "Abba, Father!!" Brings the full glory of the attention of the God of All Creation. It is not reserved for someone deserving, or a special circumstance. It is simply reserved for his sons.
