An Inheritance that Can Never Perish
by Pam Smith
Through Jesus coming alive we have come alive in the Spirit and have been born into a living hope; a hope which is deep inside us. What mercy, what extravagance, what amazing love!
Some may have been born into a rich family and will inherit great wealth. Some may even inherit a diamond mine. Some may realise their dream of winning millions in the lottery. But how long does their joy last? How long will their life last? In the Old Testament David said, ‘God’s blessing is our greatest wealth’.
Those who are born into this ‘living hope’ have an inheritance that can never perish, and neither can they, for it’s not just for a lifetime but for eternity. For God has given us eternal life through his Son, to enjoy. It’s not kept in a bank. We don’t have to worry about it. It won’t lose its value or be stolen. It’s stored in Heaven for us, and yet, through His Spirit, we have access to it now.
The secret is that Jesus is our inheritance, our prize. When Jesus is Lord of our lives then everything else is added to us. Our inheritance is a person. It’s a relationship. Many people put their value in their possessions or even in their talents. Our value is in Jesus who brings us into relationship with the Father. God the Father values, more than anything, having a relationship with His children, and as parents we understand that, as we long to have a close relationship with our own children. We are God’s ‘inheritance’ - His riches. We’ve been bought for God, the Father by God, the Son.
John Mason expresses this well in his hymn called ‘I’ve found a pearl of greatest price’:
Christ is my meat, Christ is my drink, my medicine and my health.
My peace, my strength, my joy, my crown, my glory and my wealth.
The Father’s plan for the inheritance of salvation has come down from Abraham through Jesus. It’s offered to the whole world. As Christians our desire is to share the riches of this inheritance with everyone who’s willing to receive it.
Action Line: Make a list of good things you have in your life that you haven’t bought with money.
Prayer: Dear Lord, Thank You for the wonderful riches I have in knowing You and the good gifts and provisions in my life that You have freely given me. Help me to share my gifts and Your precious love with someone I meet today. Thank You Lord. Amen
Pam Smith has a background in art and nursing, has a son and two daughters and six grandchildren. She has been a friend and helper of Ellel Ministries since l992, and has been involved with Healing Through Creativity Courses. As writer of the Shepherd Love Series, she has a passion for the comfort and encouragement that leads people towards enjoying abundant Life in Jesus.
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