Restoring the Power of Family
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Romans 8:15-17:
For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children then heirs – heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.
The spirit of bondage is an Old Testament mindset. The life, death, and resurrection of Jesus freed us from the spirit of bondage so that we now may enter into the spirit of adoption. It is from that spirit that we cry out, “Abba Father!”
Abba is the familiar, more casual word for father. It is the word a young Hebrew child would use for his father. It would be our equivalent of calling our father “daddy” or “papa.” It is the word He wants us to use when we call his name. When I come through the door after work, it would be silly for my children to greet me with, ”Greetings Father, how art thou?” No, instead I come through the door to the screaming sound of “Daddy!” I wouldn't want it any other way, and the same is true of your Heavenly Father!
The blood of Jesus was a game changer. His wrath was satisfied, and the New Testament Father is in a good mood. Because of His Son, He has His children back… and this changes everything!!
In Luke chapter 15 is the story of the prodigal son. Clearly, both of the sons in this story had orphan issues, but I do want to be clear. This story is not about the sons, it is about the Father. We are tempted to read Scripture from the spirit of bondage. We need to understand that the purpose of Scripture is not just to tell us what to do; it is to tell us who He is. The intention of all of Scripture is to bring us into relationship. If we read the story of the prodigal son from a spirit of bondage, then we view this story from a place of performance. The best we can pull out of the story is: no matter what we have done in our past God is faithful to forgive and will accept us back. Although that is true, it is not the heart of the story. It is a story of a Father separated from His son, a son who thought he could find His identity separate from His Father's house. It is a story of a Father who, when he saw His son far off, didn't stand there with His arms crossed waiting for an apology, but rather ran to him and threw His arms around him because His son, who was separated, is now back home. The son would have been contented to be a slave in His Father's house, but the Father would have nothing to do with that. Instead, the Father restored His sonship and threw him a party!
You need to understand that the Heavenly Father is in a partying mood! Because of His Son, Jesus, His children are back again. There is nothing we can do to earn the love of our Father… He just wants us. That is the countenance of your Father towards you. This is the next step in allowing him to displace the orphan spirit is the understanding that the Father smiles over you, and is delighted in you. He is safe and loving. He is not afraid of your past, and just like the prodigal son, He is not afraid of the mess you have created. He just wants you.
I have had the privilege of delivering hundreds of babies, and am always fascinated with the family dynamics that take place in the delivery room. Almost, without exception, I have noticed that the father, although being attentive to mother, tends to focus on me. The delivery process is often an anxious, loud, and sometimes bloody process. This can be quite intimidating, especially for a first-time father. He is looking at my countenance. I always make it a point to have a smile on my face and a calm posture. I understand that all of the screaming, blood, fluids, and beeping monitors is normal. I am able to see the end from the beginning. So it is with the Heavenly Father. Our life may be chaotic and bloody, but He is not intimidated. He sees you as a son and he knows the end from the beginning. He delights in what you are birthing, and delights in the destiny of your life. His countenance is that of joy and peace over you.
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About the Book
Family was created to be powerful. Adam and Eve were commissioned to tend the Garden of Eden, and their children were supposed to reproduce the culture of the Garden over the whole world. Unfortunately, in the Garden we were separated from the Father and family lost its identity, its purpose, and its power.
Although we were orphans, the Father never stopped pursuing us, and “when the fullness of time had come,” our loving Daddy sent Jesus on a rescue mission. He restored us back into the presence of the Father and to our identity.
Family was and still is the Father’s plan. The time is now for families to be restored and play a critical role in the “restoration of all things.” This book provides key strategies that bring healing to your own heart, to your family relationships, and to the inheritance mindset. The result will be a restoration of power and influence that was your family’s destiny from the beginning of time!
About the Author
Dr. Jonathan Claussen is a Family Practitioner from Staples, Minnesota. He is married to his beloved wife Amy and is raising eight fabulous children. He is also the founder and president of the “Family Restoration Project.” It was created to bring restoration first of all, to our identity in the Father as sons and daughters, which then creates strong marriages, empowered parents and healthy families. Dynamic Christian families in turn, display the power and influence needed to bring restoration to the entire world!