The topic of inheritance as addressed in Ephesians 1, reminds me not only of my own experiences, but other stories of distribution of assets of a deceased parent.
Before I begin, here’s the primary definition of inheritance from Dictionary.com.
property passing at the owner’s death to the heir or those entitled to succeed; legacy.
For purposes of today’s reflection, the inheritance discussed in Ephesians 1 is the result of the death of Jesus, God’s Messiah. (The testament/will in his blood is a weighty topic for another day). With that death in mind, read this about the inheritance our Father in Heaven has provided for each one of us in his resurrected son.
And when you heard the word of truth (the gospel of your salvation)—when you believed in Christ—you were marked with the seal of the promised Holy Spirit, who is the down payment of our inheritance, until the redemption of God’s own possession, to the praise of his glory. Ephesians 1:13-14 NET
Paul emphasizes that God’s inheritance is imparted in, and by the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit distributes a limitless inheritance experience (so far we’re only in the down payment portion). Another feature of the Holy Spirit is that he’s a person, not an array of mere material assets to be acquired and managed. Furthermore, the inheritance is for all those who trust Jesus.
Here’s Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians (and succeeding generations who trust in Jesus for their salvation), regarding this heavenly inheritance:
I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, will give you spiritual wisdom and revelation in your growing knowledge of him—since the eyes of your heart have been enlightened—so that you can know what is the hope of his calling, what is the wealth of his glorious inheritance in the saints, Ephesians 1:17-18 NET
Now, back to the contentions around earthly inheritance that can arise after a parent’s death.
The roots of such controversies can be found in sibling rivalry, often generated from flawed parental favoritism. In my case, my brother and I have always had a great relationship. Add to that, my mother (the parent who lived longest), acted and planned wisely to provide even-handed treatment toward us when she was living and after she passed away.
Conversely, I’ve heard dreadful stories of significant family divisions after the death of a cherished parent. After a disgruntled adult child enumerates unmet expectations; the story usually gets around to that favored sibling who presumably received undeserved affection during a “beloved” parent’s lifetime; and, to top it off, is now the recipient of the most desired goodies.
Ephesians 1 equips us to avoid similar pitfalls in our Forever Family. Insights in these verses enable us to lay aside jealousy and embrace unity. Look at Ephesians 1:17-18 again. Our inheritance is not only adequate, it’s limitless. Each of us receives a generous bequest now and in the future. God’s provision for each of us is inexhaustible.
This choice may present itself: explore “the wealth of his glorious inheritance in the saints“, or slow your spiritual growth with resentment.
Has one of your faith siblings rubbed you the wrong way? Perhaps it’s not someone close to you but a high-profile believer who seems a misfit or has brought shame to the name of Jesus. Dialogue with our Father about that person’s repentance and/or restoration.
by Kathleen Petersen
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