In the middle school spelling bee, a list of words were given out and we were to learn them for the spelling bee. I studied and studied so that I might make it to the regional spelling bee in Jackson, TN. I never made it, but I do remember one of the first words on first page. It was a-b-a-n-d-o-n-m-e-n-t. It means “To withdraw one's support or help from, especially in spite of duty, allegiance, or responsibility; desert: abandon a friend in trouble. 2. To give up by leaving or ceasing to operate or inhabit, especially as a result of danger or other impending threat: abandoned the ship. 3. To surrender one's claim to, right to, or interest in; give up entirely. See Synonyms at relinquish.” This means to be left alone. It is an intense feeling of rejection, grief, pain, and hurt.
This is one reason why James, the half-brother of Jesus, said, “Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world” (James 1:27). He encouraged God’s people to be concerned about and go to see the fatherless and widows in their affliction. There is a deep pain when people lose loved ones for whatever reason. In the last 7 years, my family has lost 2 uncles, 1 aunt, 3 grandparents, 2 parents and 2 children. In many ways, I have sensed the grief of losing my family, and if not for the Lord, it would be a pain that would be unbearable. However, I want to introduce you to the doctrine of adoption in the Word of God which the Apostle Paul writes about with incredible joy and praise unto the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. |
