inheritance

Forever Secure

God will sustain us. He will prevail over all adversity.

You may have noticed I am toggling back and forth between 1 Peter and Psalm 16 right now, with an occasional study on current topical circumstances. Last week I posted a study titled God’s Own Possession taken from 1 Peter 2:9. This is where we are currently studying in our Women’s Bible Study which meets each week. I also get to meet with a group of people once a month in an assisted living center where we are going through Psalm 16. I have posted previous studies on this Psalm. Below is a quick review of the first four verses.

The Truths we have learned –

God is our protection (v.1)

God is the source of all that is good (v.2)

Because of God we take pleasure in serving one another (v.3)

Those who do not follow God will reap sorrow (v.4)

In Psalm 16:5 we read that God will sustain us now and forever.

Psalm 16:5 The LORD is the portion of my inheritance and my cup; Thou dost support my lot.

The word portion is translated from the Hebrew word manah, meaning something weighed out, a division, specifically of food, a ration. When the nation of Israel wandered in the desert, God supplied their food daily in the form of manna. He was their only source of provision. David understood this truth.

Who or what is your source of provision? Do you look to things or to God for your daily bread? Not just what you eat, but for everything needed to sustain you physically and spiritually? Does your strength for each day come from His grace in your life affecting your thoughts, actions, words, and purpose?

“The Lord of heaven and earth is the God whom I serve: he who is the supreme dispenser of all things hath given me a kingdom for my portion, where he himself is worshipped; and he will defend and maintain my title to it while I adhere to him”, Patrick/Lowth/Whitby/Lowman Commentary.

We do not often speak of Asaph, pronounced aw-sawf. He was one of the leaders of David’s choir. He wrote Psalms 50 and 73-83 and was later celebrated as a prophet as well as a musical composer.

Read what Asaph writes in Psalm 73:26 – My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. The Psalmist knows he is unable to rely upon himself. He turns to God for his strength and sufficiency. God provides comfort and will meet all our needs in times of distress.

Psalm 62:7 On God my salvation and my glory [rest]; the rock of my strength, my refuge is in God.

Psalm 27:1 The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the defense of my life; whom shall I dread?

Lamentations 3:24 "The LORD is my portion," says my soul, "Therefore I have hope in Him."

Look a bit closer at the above scriptures.

Our salvation and confidence rests upon God
He is our strength and refuge
The Lord is our light and salvation
There is no reason to fear
He is our defense
He is everything we need
God is the source of our hope, and He is our inheritance.

How does understanding these truths affect your life each day?

“We, too, can make our boast in the Lord; he is the meat and the drink of our souls. He is our portion, supplying all our necessities, and our cup yielding royal luxuries; our cup in this life, and our inheritance in the life to come. As children of the Father who is in heaven, we inherit, by virtue of our joint heirship with Jesus, all the riches of the covenant of grace; and the portion which falls to us sets upon our table the bread of heaven and the new wine of the kingdom. Who would not be satisfied with such dainty diet? Our shallow cup of sorrow we may well drain with resignation, since the deep cup of love stands side by side with it, and will never be empty”, The Treasury of David.

Where do you look for fulfillment?

We look to many things for pleasure. Perhaps you like to read or watch television or see a movie. You might look to the next time family or friends visit. A delicious meal, nice weather, and traveling are things people look forward to. You may think of certain hobbies or sports teams you keep track of. Each of these things are enjoyable. However, they are all temporary. If we are looking to our fulfillment in relationships or things that are fleeting, what happens to our joy? It ebbs and flows like the tide in the ocean. Our time then is spent seeking our next moment of pleasure rather than the security and fulfillment we have in Christ.

Lasting joy is based on God who is always with us and always the same. The Lord Jehovah is our everything. In Him, there is everything we need now and for the future. He will give us the exact portion of what is needed – not too much, not too little – to walk through each circumstance in our lives in a way that will honor Him. Even when we experience sorrow or hardship, the love we have from God will never cease or run empty.

‘Thou dost support my lot.’ God will sustain us. In Him there is security. He will prevail over all adversity. If you are His child, there is no question of your eternal security in heaven. Think of God’s attributes.

He is LOVE, 1John 4:8 The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love.

He is ETERNAL, Psalm 90:2 Before the mountains were born, or Thou didst give birth to the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, Thou art God.

He is OMNIPOTENT (all powerful), Jeremiah 32:27 "Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh; is anything too difficult for Me?"

He is ONMISCIENT (all knowing), Psalm 139:1-4 O Lord, Thou hast searched me and known [me]. Thou dost know when I sit down and when I rise up; Thou dost understand my thought from afar. Thou dost scrutinize my path and my lying down, and art intimately acquainted with all my ways. Even before there is a word on my tongue, behold, O Lord, Thou dost know it all.

He is OMNIPRESENT (always present everywhere), Psalm 139:7-10 Where can I go from Thy Spirit? Or where can I flee from Thy presence? If I ascend to heaven, Thou art there; if I make my bed in Sheol, behold, Thou art there. If I take the wings of the dawn, if I dwell in the remotest part of the sea, even there Thy hand will lead me, and Thy right hand will lay hold of me.

He is IMMUTABLE (never changing), James 1:17 Every good thing bestowed and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation, or shifting shadow.

He is JUST (perfect in judgment), Deuteronomy 32:4 "The Rock! His work is perfect, for all His ways are just; A God of faithfulness and without injustice, righteous and upright is He.

He is GRACIOUS (displaying compassion), Exodus 34:6-7a Then the LORD passed by in front of him and proclaimed, "The LORD, the LORD God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness and truth; who keeps lovingkindness for thousands, who forgives iniquity, transgression and sin;

He is FAITHFUL, 1Corinthians 1:9 God is faithful, through whom you were called into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

He is MERCIFUL, Psalm 86:5 For Thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive, and abundant in lovingkindness to all who call upon Thee.

What an amazing God we have! Look at David’s words again in Psalm 16:5.

The Lord is the portion of my inheritance and my cup; Thou dost support my lot.

Can you say this with confidence?

Is God your everything – for now and for the future?

What is your hope?

Do you believe in His promise to sustain you through all things?

Stop for a moment and praise God for who He is and what He has done for you. God’s peace will surround you at all times and through all circumstances if you remain focused on Him and your future in heaven.

You can be certain of your future in heaven if you have called upon His name as Lord and Savior and placed your complete trust in Jesus alone for forgiveness of your sin and His promise of salvation.

God’s Own Possession

If you have accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, you are God’s possession, you are chosen, you are holy.

In our last study in 1 Peter 2:8, Eternal Treasure, we learned that those who are disobedient to the word are appointed to doom – the certain penalty of failure; they will stumble over the Gospel. Consider if you are walking towards a large tree. In your mind you can choose to say, ‘I do not want that tree to be there, it is inconvenient and, in my way’, however as you get closer you will either need to step around it or walk into it. Just because you have chosen to ignore its placement does not change its existence. We can choose to ignore God’s existence however this will not change His righteous judgement. In verse 9, the Apostle encourages the believers who were following Jesus, offering encouragement to them.

1Peter 2:9 But you are A CHOSEN RACE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR [God's] OWN POSSESSION, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;

The word ‘but’ is a continuation and in contrast of the preceding thought. It is like saying, ‘However, you (those who believe) are unlike those who stumble and are appointed to doom, instead you are ‘a chosen race’, a ‘royal priesthood’, a holy nation, ‘a people for [God’s] own possession’. There is a distinct difference from those who willfully rejected Jesus as their Corner Stone and those who call Him Lord.

The Apostle quotes the Old Testament in his descriptions of the believers being addressed. These titles were given to the Jewish nation. They are now the privilege of all those belonging to God, seeking to follow His ways.

Exodus 19:5 'Now then, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be My own possession among all the peoples, for all the earth is Mine;

Deuteronomy 7:6 "For you are a holy people to the LORD your God; the LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for His own possession out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth.

Deuteronomy 14:2 "For you are a holy people to the LORD your God; and the LORD has chosen you to be a people for His own possession out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth.

A Chosen Race – a select, favorite, elect generation. “The titles formerly given to the whole Jewish Church, i.e. To all the Israelites without exception, all who were in the covenant of God by circumcision, whether they were holy persons or not, are here given to Christians in general in the same way; i.e. to all who believed in Christ, whether Jews or Gentiles, and who received baptism in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost”, Adam Clarke’s Commentary.

Isaiah 43:21 "The people whom I formed for Myself, Will declare My praise.

“A chosen generation; a people chosen of God, not only out of the world, but from among the rest of your own nation and not only to an external adoption, and outward privileges, but to eternal salvation”, Matthew Poole’s Commentary.

1Corinthians 6:19 Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own?

Psalm 33:12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people whom He has chosen for His own inheritance.

If you have accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, you are God’s possession, you are chosen, you are holy. How do these descriptions of your life encourage you?

When something is purchased, most often it comes with instructions. We come with instructions from our Maker. We are chosen for a purpose, to spread the Gospel – Matthew 28:19 "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."

Do you purpose to know the instructions given you by God?

Do you regularly access your instruction manual – the Bible?

How do you react when something wonderful happens in your life?

Do those around you know that you consider the claim of Christ wonderful, that this is a blessing you treasure?

A royal priesthood – kingly in nature, a sacred order. The Hebrew definition of priesthood is described as the priestly fraternity. A fraternity is a group of people engaged in the same occupation or activity. WordWeb says it is friendship and mutual support within a group of people. Christians belong to the family of God and have fellowship with one another, spurring each individual to the forward movement of their faith.

Exodus 19:6 and you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.' These are the words that you shall speak to the sons of Israel."

Revelation 1:6 and He has made us [to be] a kingdom, priests to His God and Father; to Him [be] the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

The Jewish priests were called to offer sacrifices to God. Now this special calling extends to all who believe. The Jewish nation placed great importance on their blood relations yet through Christ’s shed blood, we are all born into His kingdom.

1Peter 2:5 you also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

God is King, and those who belong to Him are of royal heritage. In this sense, those who claim Christ as Savior are priests, daily offering up spiritual sacrifices of love and devotion, service, and gratefulness. The WordWeb definition of priesthood is described as friendship and mutual support within a group of people. We call this fellowship. Why is it important to be involved in a family of believers?

“But you, on the contrary, who unfeignedly believe in him, {are} a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, who bear at once the dignity of kings and sanctity of priest: a holy nation, set apart in a special manner for the service of God; and a peculiar people. When these titles were given to Israel of old, it was in an inferior sense; and it is in a much nobler signification that these words may be applied to you. Consider it therefore as the wise intention of Divine Providence, that you should declare and proclaim all abroad, the virtues of him who has called you out of that darkness in which you originally were, into his marvelous and glorious light; that clear light of the gospel, which opens so many illustrious scenes of divine wonders”, Philip Doddridge N.T.

In Christ we are victorious, in Christ we have a royal heritage, in Christ we have a future inheritance. The book of Revelation speaks to our position in heaven.

Revelation 5:10 "And Thou hast made them [to be] a kingdom and priests to our God; and they will reign upon the earth."

Consider for a moment the encouraging words from the Apostle to the Jews and Gentiles who had converted to Christianity. They were reminded that they were specifically chosen to serve; that they were as priests offering spiritual sacrifices to God and would one day reign with Him!

A holy nation – holy, meaning sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless, consecrated, saint). Those called by Christ are set apart as a people to worship and serve the one true God. In Christ’s death we are justified; through obedience to the Gospel we are being sanctified. This contrasts with the outward appearance of holiness made through sacrifices under the Law, rather it is a holiness from within. It is the work of Christ in an individual’s heart which affords this privilege to those who follow Him in obedience.

1Peter 1:22-23 Since you have in obedience to the truth purified your souls for a sincere love of the brethren, fervently love one another from the heart, for you have been born again not of seed which is perishable but imperishable, [that is,] through the living and abiding word of God.

Barnes’ NT Commentary says, “The Hebrews were regarded as a nation consecrated to God; and now that they were cast off or rejected for their disobedience, the same language was properly applied to the people whom God had chosen in their place – the Christian church”.

“As a family, let us remember how the Lord has favored us in his grace, and let each saved one among us remember whereunto he is called. Chosen, royal priestly, peculiar, and beloved of heaven, --what manner of persons ought we to be? We ought to be far better than others, for the Lord has dealt so much better with us. May rich grace rest upon us, and cause us to show forth the praises of our God”, Spurgeon Devotional Commentary.

We are called to be holy. In Christ, we can fight the strong arm of sin. We are not like the world, enslaved to the power of sin. Instead we are given victory over sin’s control. In all of Paul’s epistles, Christians are called saints derived from the same Greek word, hagios, for holy.

Do you strive to live in the likeness of Christ? What does this look like? How do you fight sin?

How is your life a witness of His Truth?

A people for [God’s] own possession – Or in the KJV, a peculiar people. We are purchased by the blood of Christ for a purpose; we are a people belonging to God for His use, for His glory. There is action implied in this thought. God’s own should be peculiar, markedly different from the world around them.

Look again at Deuteronomy 7:6 and 14:2.

Titus 2:14 who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds.

Do others notice you are a bit different in your conversation, your actions, and your use of time? Or do you blend in well with the world around you?

Is your service to others and your church family a priority? How?

We have been called from darkness into His glorious light – describe what this means specifically to you. Are your concerns laid at the foot of the cross or do they threaten to overwhelm you?

We are purchased for God’s purpose. Read Paul’s words to the elders at Ephesus just before he departed for Jerusalem –

Acts 20:24 "But I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, in order that I may finish my course, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify solemnly of the gospel of the grace of God.

Acts 20:28 "Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.

Acts 20:35 "In everything I showed you that by working hard in this manner you must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'"

According to the above verses, what was Paul’s focus?

“Christians are appointed to show forth the praises of the Lord, by their spiritual worship, their open profession of his gospel, their holy conversation, and exemplary conduct. To this the apostle exhorted his brethren. The Lord had called many of them out of the total darkness of Pagan idolatry; and the rest, from the comparative darkness of the Mosaic dispensation and Jewish formality, into the clear light of the gospel, to behold the marvelous displays thus given of the divine glory, and to partake of his astonishing love to sinners. This he had done, in order that they might be his witnesses and worshippers, to render him the glory due to his name, and to “show forth his praises,” or to declare his virtues, or energies, even the efficacy of his grace, in their holy tempers and actions. They had formerly been a people of no name or excellency; but they were now become “the people of God,” and had obtained that mercy for the pardon of their sins, and the salvation of their souls, to which they once were strangers”, Thomas Scott.

Our next study will address the remainder of 1 Peter 2:9 as we look at the expected result and privileges of being called by God.

Certainty

The inheritance of eternal life with God is sure; it is not fleeting, cannot be used up, and cannot be given away.

In review of 1 Peter 1:1-3, the Christians Peter wrote to were being prosecuted, had been displaced, and felt as strangers in the area which used to be their ‘home’. They met with opposition, trouble, and affliction because of their beliefs.

Peter reminds them they have been saved for a purpose, chosen to live in holiness and obedience. So, it is no surprise that they feel like they do not belong – they are to be different from the world. God is the one working on their hearts and He will give them peace through all difficulty.

Do you think and act different than the world?

Even though most of us will not experience persecution because of our faith, we hopefully do feel as if we do not belong. The reminder that we have been saved for God’s purpose and that He is working in our lives for His pleasure and honor, can give us peace in all circumstances even extreme difficulties – God is in control!

We have a living hope – a certain expectation of eternal life. This reality helps to keep our time on earth in a right perspective. We deserve nothing yet God has chosen to show us great mercy and compassion. He extended His love to us through the death and resurrection of His Son.

These truths should compel us to action. We are to live in praise and gratitude for the gift of our salvation. Our redeemed lives, every blessing that we see as good and even the life circumstances we do not understand, are to be offerings to God for His glory. Read the example given in 1 Chronicles 29:9-16 as David consecrated the building of the temple.

“Then the people rejoiced because they had offered so willingly, for they made their offering to the LORD with a whole heart, and King David also rejoiced greatly. So David blessed the LORD in the sight of all the assembly; and David said, "Blessed art Thou, O LORD God of Israel our father, forever and ever. "Thine, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, indeed everything that is in the heavens and the earth; Thine is the dominion, O LORD, and Thou dost exalt Thyself as head over all. "Both riches and honor [come] from Thee, and Thou dost rule over all, and in Thy hand is power and might; and it lies in Thy hand to make great, and to strengthen everyone. "Now therefore, our God, we thank Thee, and praise Thy glorious name. "But who am I and who are my people that we should be able to offer as generously as this? For all things come from Thee, and from Thy hand we have given Thee. "For we are sojourners before Thee, and tenants, as all our fathers were; our days on the earth are like a shadow, and there is no hope. "O LORD our God, all this abundance that we have provided to build Thee a house for Thy holy name, it is from Thy hand, and all is Thine”.”

What is your reaction to difficult circumstances?

Romans 15:13 Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

“May grace (the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life; including gratitude) and peace (prosperity and quietness) be yours in the fullest measure” 1 Peter 1:2b.

Because –

We have an inheritance imperishable and undefiled that will not fade away, in heaven.

1Peter 1:4 to [obtain] an inheritance [which is] imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you,

When you consider receiving an inheritance, what do you think of? It is the property received by an heir. It can be money, land, jewelry, stocks, and other possessions that once belonged to another individual, most often a parent or family member. The story of the Prodigal son in Luke chapter 15 gives us a picture of inheritance. It is not the main point of the story, yet it is a clear picture of the fleeting value of an earthly inheritance.

What is the result of many promises given on earth by men?

Heaven is promised to God’s children by God who is perfect!

Ephesians 1:11 also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will,

The inheritance of eternal life with God is sure; it is not fleeting, cannot be used up, and cannot even be given away. This is the one and only possession that we can claim with certainty now and forever, all because of God’s great love.

1 Peter 1:3 tells us God caused us to be born again to a living hope. What is that hope? 1 Peter 1:4 says it is our inheritance in heaven. This inheritance is available to us through the resurrection of Jesus. This inheritance speaks of our relationship with the Father. We are His heirs because of His choosing. We are accepted in His family through Christ, adopted as His own.

If you had something of great value, would you simply choose an unknown name to write in your will?

Romans 8:15-17 For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, "Abba! Father!” The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with [Him] in order that we may also be glorified with [Him.]

We will continue to explore the meaning of our inheritance in succeeding posts.

Belonging to Heaven

“May grace (the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life; including gratitude) and peace (prosperity and quietness) be yours in the fullest measure” 1 Peter 1:2b.

Because –

We have an inheritance imperishable and undefiled that will not fade away, in heaven.

1Peter 1:4 to [obtain] an inheritance [which is] imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you,

When you consider receiving an inheritance, what do you think of? It is the property received by an heir. It can be money, land, jewelry, stocks, and other possessions that once belonged to another individual, most often a parent or family member. The story of the Prodigal son in Luke chapter 15 gives us a picture of inheritance. It is not the main point of the story yet it is a clear picture of the fleeting value of an earthly inheritance.

Heaven belongs to God’s children. The inheritance of eternal life with God is sure; it is not fleeting, cannot be used up, and cannot even be given away. This is the one possession that we can claim now and forever, all because of God’s great love. 1 Peter 1:3 tells us God caused us to be born again to a living hope. What is that hope? 1 Peter 1:4 says it is our inheritance in heaven. This inheritance is available to us through the resurrection of Jesus.

Romans 8:15-17 reads, For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, "Abba! Father!” The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with [Him] in order that we may also be glorified with [Him.]

Our inheritance in Christ is imperishable, meaning it continues, it will not decay, it is incorruptible. All earthly inheritance here will be parted with; our inheritance in heaven is eternal. Think of the words abiding and enduring, lasting forever. Our inheritance in Christ cannot be taken away once we are His.

Our inheritance is undefiled, meaning it is unsoiled or pure. If we look around us, it is easy to see how sin affects the world. Our inheritance in heaven is unaffected by sin in the world. Nothing impure can enter heaven.

Our inheritance will not fade away. 1Peter 1:24 says, “For all flesh is like grass, and all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls off”. Something that fades away becomes less and less with time, exposure or use. Heaven cannot become less than it is. Its value will always remain perfect. Albert Barnes NT Commentary says, “This denotes perpetuity in the sense that everything there will be kept in its original brightness and beauty”.

Consider this – you have a reservation – your name written in Christ’s blood – to claim your inheritance in heaven. It cannot be cancelled, it is stamped on your heart and in your soul, nothing will affect God’s claim for you. He is keeping His eye upon you. God holds fast to His own. We do not possess heaven while on this earth, but it is secured for God’s children.

At this point in history, security seems to have been uprooted. The world is in a health crisis and along with that comes a financial crisis. People are at risk of losing jobs, homes, and health. This is opposite of our hope in heaven, it is fixed and abiding still. God’s children and their inheritance are kept safely by His power (1 Peter 1:5).

Our heavenly inheritance is, “In substance incorruptible; in purity undefiled; in beauty unfading”, (from Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary).

What is the object of your hope?

What is your destiny?

Matthew 25:34 "Then the King will say to those on His right, 'Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.

Philip Doddridge says this of 1 Peter 1:4, “And by whom we are brought to the cheerful and confident expectation of an inheritance, incorruptible, undefiled, and unfading, which nothing can spoil, which nothing can pollute, and which is incapable of any internal decay, as well as external violence. This inheritance is reserved in the heavens for you and for all true believers”.

Ephesians 1:18 [I pray that] the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints,

Psalm 31:19 How great is Thy goodness, which Thou hast stored up for those who fear Thee, Which Thou hast wrought for those who take refuge in Thee, before the sons of men!

Do You Have an Inheritance?

Jesus came to save the lowly, the imperfect, sinners; all humankind are in need of a Savior. Without Christ, no one is ever good enough. No amount of good works will ever get a soul to heaven. We simply are unable to earn our own way.

Leading up to verses 21-23 of Psalm 136, we read of God’s power and protection of His chosen people, Israel. No king was able to thwart God’s plan. God’s judgement upon those who are against His children is severe and complete.

The repeated phrase in Psalm 136 is “God’s lovingkindness is everlasting”. Let’s review what this means. His lovingkindness is his mercy and favor towards His children. Consider Israel’s rebellion against God. Certainly, they suffered from the consequence of their own sin. Their defiance of God brought difficult circumstances upon them, yet God did not throw up His hands and disown or even neglect them. He allowed their discipline, yet carried them through, never abandoning them completely.

What do these truths mean for you? If you are a child of God – meaning you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord, choosing obedience to Him, and you recognize your need of Jesus as your Savior who died for your sins – then you have God’s protection. His mercy and favor is showered upon you. Even when you are unfaithful He will remain faithful in His love for you.

God’s love and mercy is opposite to the love we often display. We only go so far, we become discouraged and give up on people, and we tend to display acts of love only when it is earned. Our love is often conditional, and dependent upon our feelings. God’s love is perfect, consistent and independent of our actions. How do you respond to these truths? Is your heart full of thankfulness for God’s unconditional love? Are you reminded to show this same love towards others? In other words, when God is so willing to shower His love upon you even though you are undeserving, who are you to withhold love from another?

Not only is God’s love perfect, it is forever. There is no limit, no end, and no point in which He will completely withdraw His love from His children. Consider this, when you discipline young children does this mean you no longer love them? Of course not! It is loving to teach them right from wrong and help them avoid negative consequences. This is only a fraction of the picture of God’s love for you. Perfect, abiding love is incomprehensible, yet because of God’s mercy, we have it.

Psalm 136:21 speaks of God’s intended blessing, or inheritance, for the nation of Israel, despite their disobedience. Psalm 136:21 says, “And gave their land as a heritage, for His lovingkindness is everlasting”. This verse follows the account of God’s power in slewing the mighty kings who tried to thwart His plan. God not only annihilated these kings but also blessed Israel with the spoils. Why? Because His lovingkindness is everlasting!

Read what Spurgeon says in the Treasury of David, “As Lord of the whole earth He transferred His estate from one tenant to another. The land did not become the property of the Israelites by their own sword and bow, but by a grant from the throne”.

What inheritance do you have as God’s child? If you know Jesus as your Lord and Savior and have placed your complete trust in Jesus’ death and resurrection for the full payment for your sin, then your name is written in God’s will. It cannot be changed. It cannot be erased or questioned or modified. What comes with your inheritance is God’s protection, strength and care for your life on earth. This doesn’t mean there will be no difficulties, in fact we should expect difficult circumstances because people are sinful, but it does mean that you can trust God in all things. There is no fear of man or things being out of the control of God. He’s got you covered!

Psalm 136:22 goes on to say, “Even a heritage to Israel His servant, for His lovingkindness is everlasting”. Each blessing God chooses to bestow upon His children, magnifies His grace to them. Having our heritage in Christ is repeated in this verse so we should pay particular attention to this truth. Our heritage is guaranteed.

Israel as a nation is referred to as God's servant in this verse. Do you serve Christ? Have you recognized His grace? Do you willingly place yourself at His feet? What does it mean to serve? We all serve someone or something. Often it is ourselves we place on the throne of service – our wants, our needs, our likes, our dislikes, whatever makes us happy and gives us the feeling of fulfillment. Be willing to ask yourself who you serve. What is your purpose in life?

Christ did not come to earth to serve Himself. He came as an offering for sin for God’s children who are completely undeserving of His sacrifice. Christ came to serve God as the only way for us to be redeemed. There is no self in what Christ did. Philippians 2:5-8 reads, “Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, [and] being made in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross”.

God’s lovingkindness assures His children of their inheritance in the kingdom of heaven – even though we are totally undeserving! This is what Psalm 136:23 says, “Who remembered us in our low estate”. Wow!

Remember who we are talking about.

The Lord Jehovah, the self-Existent, Eternal name of God (v.1).
The God of gods, Elohiym, the supreme God, mighty in all His ways (v.2).
The Lord of lords, Adoni, Sovereign over all, the One in control, Master and Owner (v.3).

This is who remembers us! In our human thinking, we can desire to be known by a certain group or person. To be part of the life of someone we admire is encouraging. There are all kinds of groups centered on belonging. We feel good when we are part of something bigger.

As God’s child, we are known by Him, we have been adopted into His family, and we belong in His eternal kingdom. Along with these truths, we are cared for by Him, strengthened by Him, made wise by Him, protected by Him, disciplined for our good by Him, encouraged by Him and unconditionally loved by Him. And His word says He remembers us – even in our low estate, even though we are undeserving and cannot begin to earn a place in His presence, God reaches down and secures for us a place with Him. Why?

Because His lovingkindness is everlasting, God’s mercy to us will endure forever – even though we are undeserving. Think of the account of Noah and punishment upon the whole earth. After a time, God caused the water of the great flood to subside. Genesis 8:1 says, “But God remembered Noah and all the beasts and all the cattle that were with him in the ark; and God caused a wind to pass over the earth, and the water subsided”.

We might think we are not good enough to have a place in God’s presence. We are absolutely correct in that thought. Yet, we must remember that God did not send His Son for perfect people (there are none). Jesus came to save the lowly, the imperfect, sinners; all humankind are in need of a Savior. Without Christ, no one is ever good enough. No amount of good works will ever get a soul to heaven. We simply are unable to earn our own way. Identifying with a certain faith does not save you. Baptism will not save you. Going to church every Sunday will not save you. No amount of anything you do is able to save you. Complete dependence on the blood of Jesus shed for your sins is the only ticket to eternal life.

Psalm 113:7 says, “He raises the poor from the dust, and lifts the needy from the ash heap”. 1Samuel 2:8 uses similar words, "He raises the poor from the dust, He lifts the needy from the ash heap to make them sit with nobles, and inherit a seat of honor; for the pillars of the earth are the LORD'S, and He set the world on them”.

What does this mean practically for God’s children? How does this truth apply to your life? God is always here to help us just as He delivered Israel from captivity in Babylon. If God can deliver an entire nation, do you think He is able to help you? How big is the God you trust? News alert – He does not need your intervention to accomplish His will.

I recently had a conversation with someone who is justifiably concerned with the subject of what is being taught and allowed in our public school system. It is difficult to hear that your young child is being directed to explore ideas that are worldly and sinful and directly against the commands of God. So, what do we do about this real problem? Not everyone is able to put their children in Christian schools, and not everyone is able to choose homeschool as an option. Will God protect His children from the wiles of Satan? Absolutely! Are the lies of mankind greater than the power of God? No way! But we do have a responsibility to be diligent to present God’s Truth from His word wherever and whenever we are able, especially in our homes and with our families.

God’s lovingkindness is everlasting. His plan will prevail, He will continue to bless His children and protect them even though they are undeserving.

KINGS AND KINGDOMS

Kingdoms. Kings. Knights in shining armor. Princes and princesses. Dragons and bad guys and those trying to thwart the peace in the land. Understanding of this concept begins at a very early age. This time of year especially, the costumes come out. Go to almost any public area and dozens of children and even several adults will be disguised as characters from popular storybooks and movies.

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Are you part of God’s kingdom? It is not make-believe or a clever story written for the latest fairy tale movie. It is real. Through Jesus it is attainable. God’s Kingdom will stand. Forever.

Heb 12:28 Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe;

We, God’s children, have received an inheritance in His kingdom which is immovable, indestructible, and eternal. This is a promise! Security like none we’ve ever known is given to us once we sincerely accept in our heart the sacrifice made for us in Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection. This is incredible.

Da 7:14 "And to Him was given dominion, Glory and a kingdom, that all the peoples, nations, and men of every language Might serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion which will not pass away; and His kingdom is one which will not be destroyed.

Mt 25:34 "Then the King will say to those on His right, 'Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.

1Pe 1:4-5 to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

Can you think of anything else you have received that even comes close to having this kind of stability and value? We’re talking eternal protection from danger, freedom from anxiety and fear, an intimate relationship with God, King of Kings and Lord of Lords and the promise that trusting in Him alone will always turn out for our good and His glory. And all this is encompassed in a love from God that is much greater than we are able to comprehend.

What is your response to this truth? Hebrews 12:28 goes on to give us the response we should have: ‘let us show gratitude’!

Ps 19:14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Thy sight, O LORD, my rock and my Redeemer.

Ro 12:1-2 I urge you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

Something good benefits others. Acceptable means well-pleasing. Perfect is completeness. Hmmmm, showing gratitude in God leads to service that profits others, is worthy of God’s approval and comes from a pure heart.

Showing gratitude doesn’t come from a costume we put on. It comes from a heart of thankfulness for the King and Kingdom we belong to!

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Tag: inheritance

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