Daughter of the King

Growing up I had many nicknames: Binkie, Ruder Girl, Lovie, Wubbie. Each and every one of them had their own special meaning an origin. Some of them started with one version and after one sibling couldn't pronounce it, a new one was formed. I've always love my nicknames. Even though my siblings make fun of me for them sometimes, I've enjoyed each stage of life that the nickname represents. I particularly like "Wubbie". It's a special name that my dad still calls me (to this day and I'm 24!). When he calls me Wubbie, I know that he is speaking with as much endearment and affection that a father can bestow upon a daughter. I feel loved and often reminds me of times we had when I was much smaller, reading books or just talking about life. The word resonates with joy and happiness with being a daughter dearly loved by her father. As I thought about this today, I was also struck by the thought that I am also the Daughter of the King. A Heavenly Father who loved me even before I was a thought in my parent's minds. I thought about the names that God bestows upon His children in the Bible. One that came to mind was "Beloved". The Greek word is Agapetos which means beloved, esteemed, dear, favorite, worthy of love. Wow. All those powerful words smooshed into one.

In the New American Standard Bible, the word is use 60 times in the New Testament. I marvel at the choice of word. As children of God, we are unconditionally love by Him. Why? Not because we have done anything to deserve it, but because He has chosen to love us. He esteems us. We are dear to him. We are his favorite (yes, all of us) and best of all, we are worth of His love. Again, not because of anything we have done but because the Blood of the Lamb covers all transgressions and makes us blameless in His sight. What a powerful feeling. And nothing, neither heights not depths, nor anything in this world can separate us from that love.

I'm fascinated by the comparison between my earthly Father and my Heavenly Father. My Dad loves me unconditionally - always has and always will. I know that if I ever needed a hug from my daddy he would be there to give it to me. And in the same way, our Heavenly Father loves us unconditionally. No matter what, he brings us back to himself, even when we screw up. His love is never failing and the magnitude of this amazing gift is something that hadn't struck me until today. What a blessing to be called a Child of God!