Rev. Paul Prange, administrator for the Board of Ministerial Education reflects on his baptism.

I was only six weeks old when I was adopted by my parents.  I didn’t choose them; they chose me.  I am grateful that I was able to grow up in a stable Christian home.

I was only eight days old when I was adopted by God.  I didn’t choose Him; He chose me.  I am grateful to go to the house of the Lord and know that I am His child.

My parents made my adoption official in a ceremony at the court house.  Even though I was not born their child, now I share their family name, and I will receive their inheritance.

God made my adoption official when I was baptized into his name (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit).  Even though I was not born His child, he has placed his name on me, and I belong to him.  I will receive his inheritance.

I will share my parents’ inheritance with my siblings, three adopted and one natural-born.  It will be dividedly evenly among us.

The only begotten Son of God has already received his inheritance:  resurrection from the dead.  Because He received His, I know that my inheritance will be the same thing!  And I will share it with all the rest of God’s children by faith.

I don’t know if adopted children appreciate their baptisms more.  I do know that I appreciate mine.