Inheritance - May 13

Today’s Readings: AM Psalm 89:1-18; PM Psalm 89:19-52; Joshua 1:1-9; Eph. 3:1-13; Matt. 8:5-17

When a loved one or a family member leaves someone an inheritance, it becomes known to that person, and the idea is that it makes a difference in the person’s life. As I write this reflection, trying to put words on paper about inheritance brings out odd feelings. Not everyone receives one, and nothing is contingent on merit, and even the discussion of inheritance can bring up painful memories of broken relationships and what were supposed to be gifts that weren’t quite what a loved one expected. In the best of situations, a gift passed on reminds someone of the profound love of a person who can no longer express that love in any other way. The parable of the prodigal son in Luke or the story of Esau and Jacob in Genesis are reminders that the desire for inheritance is a part of the human condition. 

My maternal grandmother left a small gift for each of her seventeen grandchildren. I was able to make a down payment on the ring that I gave my wife when we got engaged. My Grammie’s gift enabled me to share love and hope with the person I dreamed of creating a life together. 

In the first chapter of the letter to the Ephesians, this language of inheritance shows up as the gift we have received from Jesus Christ. Today’s section has a similar theme when the author writes that “the Gentiles have become fellow-heirs, members of the same body, and sharers in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.” We have inherited a gift from Jesus Christ. 

As Christians, we believe that our life is fundamentally different because of God’s gift to us.  Across the spectrum of Christianity, we might see that gift differently, but universally, we should believe that it changes the nature of our lives. It is an inheritance meant to change the course of our lives and give us the peace and grace to share God’s vision of love and faithfulness. 

We have received a gift, an inheritance from the one who loves us and created us, the most important gift of our lives. The better question: how will we use it?

John+

Questions for Self-Reflection: How can I use the gift and inheritance of God's grace and love to change the course of my life and others?