Our Inheritance

 

Wait for the Lord and keep his way, and he will exalt you to inherit the land; you will look on when the wicked are cut off. I have seen a wicked, ruthless man, spreading himself like a green laurel tree. But he passed away, and behold, he was no more; though I sought him, he could not be found. Mark the blameless and behold the upright, for there is a future for the man of peace. But transgressors shall be altogether destroyed; the future of the wicked shall be cut off. The salvation of the righteous is from the Lord; he is their stronghold in the time of trouble. (Psalm 37:34-39 ESV).

 

The Bible has a lot to say about inheritance, and it all points to God’s promises of inheriting full life in his kingdom forever. God shows his goodness by giving an inheritance to his children. “Those who hope in the Lord will inherit the land,” says the psalmist. “The meek will inherit the land and enjoy peace and prosperity.” In ancient Israel the focus was on the land God had given the twelve tribes of Israel, but today we know that this refers to the whole earth in the new heaven and new earth. In fact, Jesus quoted from this psalm when he said, “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth” (cf. Matthew 5:5).

 

All of us understand the power of an “inheritance.” Some might be tempted to think my reference is to a material or financial inheritance. Of course these are of great benefit should you be fortunate enough to be the recipient of such a windfall. However, the greatest inheritance any parent may pass on to their children is their name. And, this is what God’s reference is.

 

God’s goodness inspires parents to leave an inheritance for the generations that follow. Money saved up for one’s children and grandchildren, so that they may have a head start in life, is a good thing. But people who honor the Lord also show care and compassion for the poor, and they work against injustice and discrimination. In all that he did, Jesus modeled these important teachings. We can do these good things because of who we are. We are the child of God and thus we have been given care and compassion, mercy and grace.

 

Do good, care for people in need. Don’t neglect your family for anyone or anything. Love the Lord, love your neighbor in Jesus’ name, share the good news of God’s love, and know that, by grace, you have the blessings of eternal life in his kingdom.