To be honest, I’d love to think that in some way–if even just a small, small, way–I deserve the designation. To think that somehow I’ve done my part to merit the honor. To think that, at least to some degree, for I know it could never be all my doing, there is something in some of my actions worthy of the privilege. But as I hover over these verses in Hebrews this morning, I know better. And I’m bit overwhelmed by grace.

For it was fitting that He, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons [and daughters] to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering. For He who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one Source. That is why He is not ashamed to call them brothers [and sisters] . . . (Hebrews 2:10-11 ESV)

Our God is the Creator and the Redeemer. We exist by Him and for Him. And, though we were once far from Him, He has purposed to bring many back to Him. Amazing!

But even more amazing is that He does so by bringing us to glory as sons and daughters. Son and daughters–who could merit such standing?

And to do so, He determined that the Founder of our Salvation should fully make way for such an adoption through His suffering.

The Founder of our Salvation, aka God’s Anointed. The Author of our Redemption, the Lamb of God. The Captain of our Faith, one day to be revealed to all as He is, the King of kings and the Lord of lords. O’ what a Savior!

And, because the Son was sent by the Father, and because we were set apart by the same Father, He is not ashamed to call us brothers and sisters.

Basque in that, brothers and sisters. It is one thing for me to refer to you with such familial language, it is an entirely different matter when we are treated as family by the Son of God.

To be but His trophies of redeeming grace would be enough. To be servants in His household would gift us with more access to the Holy One than we could ever imagine. But to be welcomed around the table as kin? Behold, what manner of love! (1Jn. 3:1a KJV)

And He is not ashamed to do so. He is not hesitant to say so. Not because we’re doing our best, but only because heaven gave its best. Not because of our faltering service, but because of His once-for-all, unwavering submission–and that, through undeserved suffering. Not because of any good deeds we have done or could do, but solely because of His finished work on the cross.

Because of who He is and what He has done, He is all in to call us brothers and sisters.

Don’t know how you can chew on that for even a few minutes and not become somewhat overwhelmed with gratitude.

Because of His amazing grace. Only for His all-deserving glory.

Amen?