(Stewardship 12) III. Land – “Inheritance”

What is inheritance? Something received after a previous owner or ancestor dies. We receive inheritance usually after someone’s death. Does God die? Can God die? If God is God, how can He die? 

God is spirit, all-present, always living, self-existing. God does not have a body like we do. However, this doesn’t mean God cannot withhold or give up His control for His Holy purposes, such as saving a wretch like you and me. God the Father loves us so much, that He is willing to send His one and only Son, Jesus, to this world. Jesus, God the Son, perfectly and willingly obeyed the Father, gave up His place in Heaven with the Father, to die for our sins. But God has overcome death and rose again!! Jesus now is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to him (1 Peter  3:22). 

This is why each year Christians around the world celebrate Jesus’ Resurrection. “And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. …And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied.” ( 1 Corinthians 15: 14, 17-19) 

Jesus died and rose again so we who trust and fear Him can inherit the promise land above in Heaven. I believe in Jesus not for the inheritance of the land. I believe because He has called me to His Kingdom. As His child, I can inherit His promised land. Most importantly, as His child, I can be in His presece, with Him forever! The inheritance is totally His mercy and blessings. I have no part in taking any credit in possessing this land. This unmerited favor upon me is overwhleming. 

The promised inheritance is free but costly. If right now someone offers you a nice property with a nice house on it for free, are you willing to own it? The price is paid in full, no mortgage, no down payment, no agency fees, no repair needed, no inspection needed, all perfect conditions you can imagine with the nicest furniture and appliances included.  Will you be interested to check out who this generous giver is? Or will you simply write it off as a scam? Yes, all those offers are too good to be true in our world. We should exercise discernment to be suspicious of those “nice” offers. 

But this offer is not simply a nice offer, it is a sure promise for those who fear the one true living God! Are you willing to leave everything behind and come? You can bring your whole family if they are willing to believe this offer and follow.  If you don’t know the Giver, no matter how good and real the offer is, you may still hesitate. Until one day, you have received a letter explaining your blood relationship to the owner, how much He has provided and loved you. You are told your brother is coming to bring you home. When you see your brother, you realize right away you are from the same family! What a happy reunion!  You learned about more stories of your childhood before you were lost, your real name, your real father. 

I guess my point is not to tell you a dramatic story, but to say the inheritance for those who believe Jesus is Lord is real! Jesus is the real deal! Jesus and His presence makes Heaven a joy-filled place. But how about right now before we are united with our Lord in Heaven? God never forsakes us or leaves us. We, as we repent our sins, have the Holy Spirit living in us to guide us to His truth in our remaining days on earth. 

Jesus’ disciple, Peter, a former fisherman, but when filled with the Spirit, he boldly proclaimed, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.” (Acts 2: 28-39)

The blessing of this heavenly inheritance is generational! Are you called to receive Jesus and His forgiveness?

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Here are links to all 16 posts in the “Stewardship” journal from Elyse’s Journal written around 3/25/2023. (The link will not work until the post is posted.)
1. Seeking His will to take back the stewardship of the land (Rob’s Introduction)
2. I. “Who”: Rescued from the System
3. II. “Fear the Lord” and “He will instruct”: Shake-up 1: Work System
4. “Fear the Lord” and “He will instruct”: Shake-up 2a: Medical System
5. “Fear the Lord” and “He will instruct”: Shake-up 2b: Birth System
6. “Fear the Lord” and “He will instruct”: Chain of Spirit-led decisions
7. “Fear the Lord” and “He will instruct”: Shake-up 3: Education
8. “Fear the Lord” and “He will instruct”: Aliens and Strangers in the world
9. “Fear the Lord” and “He will instruct”: Freedom
10. Simple, Abundant Living as a family wherever you are
11. Called to the Land
12. III. Land – “Inheritance”
13. Land – “Inheritance” (continued)
14. IV. How (resources)
15. Resources
16. Conclusion