美國馬里蘭州的傑伊．史佩茨（Jay Speights）做了基因檢測（DNA），但他絕對想不到會有這樣的結果。檢測結果帶來了意外的驚喜──他竟是西非貝南共和國（Benin）的一個王子！於是他搭乘飛機前往這個國家。當他抵達的時候，皇室成員熱烈歡迎他，並以舞蹈、歌唱、旗幟及遊行，為他舉行盛大的返鄉歡迎儀式。

耶穌來到世上，宣揚上帝的好消息。祂進入祂的百姓以色列民當中，向他們傳遞好消息並指示他們走出黑暗的道路。許多人對福音信息無動於衷，拒絕接受「真光」（約翰福音1章9節），拒絕接受耶穌就是彌賽亞（11節）。然而，並不是所有人都抱持懷疑和冷漠的態度。有些人謙卑、歡喜地接受基督的邀請，相信祂是上帝為世人的罪所預備的終極犧牲，並信靠祂的名。對於這群忠心的百姓，有個驚喜等待著他們，那就是耶穌會「賜他們權柄，作上帝的兒女」（12節），他們藉著聖靈重生，成為上帝這位至高君王的兒女，成為屬靈的皇室成員。

當我們轉離罪惡與黑暗，接受耶穌並相信祂的名，我們就成為上帝的兒女，被接納並歸入這位君王的家庭。願你我在履行君王兒女的責任時，也同時享受祝福。

When Jay Speights of Rockville, Maryland, took a DNA test, nothing could have prepared him for the results he received. They contained a big surprise—he was a prince of the West African nation of Benin! Soon he boarded a plane and visited the country. When he arrived, the royal family greeted and showered him with a festive homecoming—dancing, singing, banners, and a parade.

Jesus came to earth as God’s good news announcement. He went to His own people, the nation of Israel, to give them the good news and to show them the way out of darkness. Many received the message with apathy, rejecting the “true light” (John 1:9) and refusing to accept Him as Messiah (v. 11). But unbelief and apathy weren’t universal among the people. Some people humbly and gladly received Christ’s invitation, accepted Him as God’s eventual sacrifice for sin, and believed in His name. A surprise awaited this faithful remnant. He “gave [them] the right to become children of God” (v. 12)—to be royal children of His through spiritual rebirth.

When we turn from sin and darkness, receive Jesus, and believe in His name, we discover we’re children of God, adopted as royalty into His family. May we enjoy the blessings as we live up to the responsibilities of being the King’s kids.