Belonging to God (Reflections from Synod School)

"Belonging to God" and the Heidelberg. Here's a paraphrase (flowing out of my middle school classes) of the answers to Questions 1 & 2 of the catechism...

My only comfort:  I'm not the boss of me--there's been a change of ownership. Instead, I belong completely and always to my faithful Savior Jesus Christ. Everything forgiven--picture the cross!--and everything new--set free through the waters of baptism. And watched over (completely and always)--Jesus redeems EVERYTHING for my ultimate good, benefit, restoration, salvation. And through the Holy Spirit: Confidence and Transformation: Assured of eternal life. And made wholeheartedly willing and ready to live for Jesus... starting... not tomorrow... but right now! This is the good news: (1) Hopelessly stuck in a miserable, gloppy, swamp because of sin; (2) Set Free from the quagmire by Jesus; (3) Living a joyful, loving, compassionate life defined by deep, profound gratitude.