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

Don't Give Up

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“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up.” (Hebrews 12:1-3, NLT)

The author of Hebrews wrote this epistle to a group of Jewish Christians going through tough times. Their faith was being challenged both from without and within. The author of Hebrews reminded his readers not to be discouraged while running “the race God has set before us.” How? By “keeping our eyes on Jesus” (Hebrews 12:2a). Who “endured the cross and disregarding its shame (Hebrews 12:2 b).” He also endured “hostility from sinful people” (Hebrews 12:3; Cf. Matthew 26:57-67).

Christ did say, “in the world you will have tribulation” (John 16:33 a). The fact we as Christians often forget. Though trials are inevitable for the child of God, the Lord Himself gives us the assurance and comfort of victory (John 16:33 b). Therefore, we should not be discouraged or be tempted to give up what we’ve been called to do as followers of Jesus Christ!

Are you going through challenges or tribulations in your Christian life? Are you weary? Are you having thoughts of giving up? Please read the passage again and think of what Christ has done for us by enduring the cross so that we might have life and victory! Don’t give up but remain faithful to the cause of the gospel of Christ.

Consider the words of Spurgeon: “By perseverance, the snail reached the ark!”

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