In 1980, as one of the stories goes, John Jr. and Billy were invited aboard
the USS John F. Kennedy aircraft carrier. On a guided tour of the ship,
the two young men and their guide inadvertently entered a restricted area. When
an officer stopped them, the guide pointed to John and said, “This is his
father’s ship.” Snapping to attention, the officer saluted John. He explained
his understanding that when a US Navy ship is named for someone, it is
considered that person’s ship. Thus, as the son of the man for whom the ship was
named, John Jr. had unique privileges.

This illustrates a vital spiritual principle. As adopted children in God’s
family, we who have been saved possess the position of sonship. Paul wrote that
as believers we are “predestined . . . to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to
Himself” (Eph. 1:5). By virtue of this sonship, we have the unique privileges
that belong to the children of the King of kings.

In life’s challenging voyage, we can take courage that our “Abba, Father”
(Rom. 8:15) owns the ship and shares all with us. Praise God, we are joint-heirs
with Christ!  — Dennis Fisher