Once I was invited to have lunch with the Inklings, a gaggle of authors led by Ginger Garrett. These are real authors, men and women devoted to their craft. They write devotionals, biographies, Bible studies, novels, articles, and blogs. Some are best sellers, some will be. I felt out of place, but in time I decided my purpose was to encourage them. Then, at a later meeting, something happened.

Several were sharing their struggles and frustration about certain projects, publishers, editors and agents. After the venting, Ginger glanced around the table and said, "We are all authors and..." I have no idea what followed. All I heard was, "We are all authors." In the blink of an eye, I belonged.

Have you ever suddenly discovered you were a part of something? Maybe you applied and worked to get into a group. Or you simply showed up and over time you just blended in. Perhaps it was expected or came as a surprise. But in some instant, you realize, I belong. I'm one of them.

To "belong"---be a member or part of something---often involves more than filling out an application and paying dues. It means to be welcomed into a group because our presence is valued, significant, important, and cherished by others. There's a feeling of acceptance. And when that occurs, we have not merely joined, but rather have been chosen.

In the ancient Book of Ezekiel, God directed His prophet to confront false leaders who had looked after their own wants and needs, building great wealth and power while ignoring those they were supposed to lead. God described the people as though they were a flock of sheep.

The sheep were scattered over the whole earth, and no one searched or looked for them. So I will search. I will judge between one sheep and another, and I will rescue and save My flock. I will bring back the strays and look after them. You My sheep, the sheep of My pasture, are My people, and I am your God. (Ezekiel 34:1-31)

Almost 600 years later, similar words were spoken.

I am the good shepherd; I know My sheep and My sheep know me...I have other sheep not of this pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to My voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd...no one can snatch them out of My hand. (John 10:14-16,28)

Understand? We who follow Jesus are His sheep. We are the sheep God has searched and cared for, the ones He has rescued and saved. We are His people and His children. Together we are His flock. We are welcomed because our presence is valued, significant, important, and cherished by God.

We belong to what Peter calls the Family of God. (1 Peter 4:17) We have not merely joined. We have been chosen. What an incredible expression and experience of acceptance!