By Samantha Nelson
“Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons [daughters] of God…” 1 John 3:1(a) KJV
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be royalty? Have you ever watched documentaries about the queens and kings of England or other countries and pondered what life would be like in the royal palace? I enjoy learning about history from these types of documentaries, but confess that I have never spent much time wondering about palace life myself—other than desiring to visit the family castles—although perhaps I need to ponder it more.
Recently, as I was researching the maternal side of my family tree, I discovered that I am a descendant of several kings and other nobility from England. There were also knights who served with King Richard the Lionhearted during the Crusades and many other prominent noblemen associated with my ancestors. This discovery caused me to feel excited that I had such an interesting pedigree and that I am part of a royal bloodline.
However, that fascination and sense of excitement soon waned as it dawned on me that I have always been a daughter of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. I don’t need to wonder what life in a castle in England would be like as the daughter of kings. I need to ponder what life is like here, and in eternity, as the daughter of THE KING!
Addressing my Christian sisters and brothers, how about you? What’s your perspective? Do you recognize your value as a daughter or a son of the King? Do you realize that you are part of “a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light”? (1 Peter 2:9) Do you comprehend what it means to be a daughter or son of God, to know truth, to have power through Christ to conquer evil and overcome sin? It’s a powerful truth!
It all seems too much to comprehend sometimes and so, my friends, I would encourage you to join me in spending more time contemplating our Father’s great love for us as His daughters and His sons, His special children, His chosen heirs. Truly, we are blessed beyond measure by God’s infinite and matchless love for us. And, with that in mind, being a daughter of earthly king pales by comparison, for we have a palace in Heaven with our Father the King!
—Samantha Nelson is a pastor’s wife who loves serving alongside her husband Steve. She is also the CEO of The Hope of Survivors, a nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting victims of clergy sexual abuse and providing educational seminars to clergy of all faiths.
