The Inheritance

Imagine for a minute that today you receive in the mail a letter notifying you that a distant relative has left an inheritance for you. The letter does not give details, but it implies that the estate is substantial. How would you react? Imagine further that the letter comes at a perfect time as you consider the pile of bills that you must pay before the end of the year. You wonder—how much will this inheritance change my life? Wouldn’t you want to contact the attorney immediately to find out the details? How much would your interest be piqued?

 Now consider this. God— the God of the universe—has notified you that He has given a gift to you. It is also the promise of an inheritance.

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6).

A Son is given.

Jesus is a gift. He wasn’t just born. He is given.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son…” (John 3:16).

Do you have the same interest in learning more about this Gift as you did regarding the imagined inheritance?  How do you receive this news? At the very least, do you have the same level of excitement?

The first inheritance—the imagined one— has undeniable temporal benefits. Financial burdens may be eased. A house may be purchased. Tuition may be paid off. These are all good things! And who among us would not make good use of every cent given?

But the second inheritance also has temporal benefits when received:

 PEACE from knowing you are reconciled with God.

“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1).

 JOY from knowing that you are forgiven.

“Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls” (1 Peter 1:8-9).

HOPE from knowing that you will enjoy eternal fellowship with God.

“In hope of eternal life which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began.” (Titus 1:2).

Peace, joy, hope—these are not just sentiments of wishful thinking on holiday cards. Rather, they can all be realized by receiving the Gift given.

But which of the inheritances has guaranteed lasting benefits?  It is possible that the first inheritance could be invested and yield bountiful returns for years to come. Yet no economist can guarantee that outcome. When the money runs out, how would you feel? And of course, in the end, any residual assets will not follow you to the grave.

The inheritance from God, however, will last forever. JOY, PEACE, and HOPE are possible each and every day. When we believe and receive the Gift, God’s Spirit equips us with the power to find His joy and peace amidst any circumstance, enabling us to live with hope.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope” (Romans 15:13).

And best of all, when this Gift is believed in faith, the inheritance is guaranteed, imperishable, and everlasting.

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you” (1 Peter 1:3-4)

To us a Son is given.

 That means to you. To me.

 How interested are you in His Gift to you this Christmas season?