Jesus: The Believer’s Inheritance

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  It is fascinating to observe when people talk about inheritance, ones mind would immediately cater properties, wills, houses, jewelries, and other material things. All of which are centered on material temporal things.   In 1 Peter 1:4 , although The Apostle Peter used the term “inheritance” once in his letter, Apostle Paul on the other hand, mentioned this term in his letters several times. ( Eph_1:14 , Eph_1:18 , Eph_5:5 , Col_3:24 ,) But what is so significant about this particular emphasis of Peter? After all, he made a brief description of the inheritance (verse 4-5) a believer will obtain now that he is part of God’s family.   The term “inheritance” is not something new among Jewish ears. Going back to the OT, when God divided the promised land among the 12 tribes of Israel, every tribe received a portion of the land as their inheritance, except for the tribe of Levi…”the priestly tribe”. They were the only tribe that didn’t get one. God’s reason for doing so is interesting. Th

Chronicles--"Encouraging a Downhearted People"

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Chronicles—“Encouraging a Downhearted People”

Have you ever met someone with such knowledge and wisdom that your mouth just hangs open in awe?  Open the book of Chronicles and you will meet such a man.

Jewish tradition holds that the book of Chronicles was penned by Ezra, a man of God who was indeed endowed with both knowledge and wisdom. Interestingly, the author devotes the first 9 chapters of the book to the genealogy of nearly all the tribes of Israel.  He lists names of known and unknown individuals, followed by chapters that give account of the history of the kings of Israel (namely Saul, David and Solomon) and the kings of Judah.

Though some may argue that Chronicles is just a repetition of the books of Samuel and Kings, a closer look will prove otherwise. First, the book of Chronicles is distinct in that it does not pay particular attention to the sins committed by the kings (namely, Saul, David and Solomon). Its focus, instead, is the glory of the kingdom of Israel, the building of the Great Temple during Solomon’s reign and Judah’s homecoming by Cyrus’ decree.

By the Holy Spirit’s guidance, I believe that Chronicles was written to encourage a downhearted people. Would you not be discouraged if you went home from captivity to a ruined homeland?  The book of Chronicles, therefore, recount for its readers the glorious days of Israel as a nation.  With divine blessing, the author wanted the people to see that such glory can be achieved again if they walk in obedience to God.  Also, the author wanted to exhort the people to place their confidence and trust in the Lord.  Consequently, he reminds them that God controls the events of our lives. He is the Sovereign King of kings.  This fact is evident by the decree of Cyrus which allowed the people of God not only to go home but to have the means by which to have the temple rebuilt (Isaiah 44:28; Jeremiah 25:12). What a great and timely encouragement to a downhearted people!

By nature, each of us desire to be encouraged; but do we, like the author of Chronicles, encourage others?  If not, why not?  Let us this day purpose in our hearts to be an encourager! Let us lift up the downhearted and so follow Christ’s example. It is our responsibility (1 Thessalonians 5:11)!

 

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