This last Sunday, we celebrated the precious gift of children. During this time, we were blessed to hear from Andy and Amanda Rye as they shared their testimony of God’s amazing love and grace through the trials, hardships, and joy of foster parenting, and finally adoption.

Perhaps a well-known verse, 1 John 3:1 says “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God.” Josh has often cited this verse, re-interpreting it to say emphatically, “What kind of planet is this love from?” Surely, the way that God has adopted us into his family through Christ demonstrates a love that is otherworldly. It doesn’t make sense according to the reasoning of this world. It doesn’t come from us. It can only come from God.

It was a glorious thing for me to hear the echos of Christ’s love resound in Andy and Amanda’s hearts as they shared their story. I was richly blessed to listen to them. This story of beauty from ashes is amazing. And it’s amazing not only because we see the awesome work of God in the Rye family, but because every story of adoption is a direct parable of the adoption we have received as God’s children in Christ!

So even if you were there to listen on Sunday, I encourage you to listen again. Listen, and hear Christ in their words. Listen for the Savior who gave himself up for us (Gal. 1:4). Listen for the tender Father whose pleasure it is to deal richly with his children (Luke 12:32, Matthew 7:9). Listen for the God who rejoices in bringing his children to himself (Zeph. 3:17, Luke 15:10).

Click here to listen: Andy and Amanda Rye - Sunday 3/30/14