Your Inheritance Awaits
In Matthew 25:34, Jesus describes a moment of profound invitation and joy: “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.’”
This verse highlights a central truth of the gospel: salvation is not something we earn, but a gift we receive. The word “inheritance” is key here. An inheritance is given because of a relationship, not because of works. Through Jesus, we are invited into God’s family, and as His children, we have a share in the kingdom he has prepared for us.
The imagery of a kingdom “prepared since the creation of the world” reminds us of God’s eternal plan. Before time began, God desired a relationship with us and made a way for that relationship to be restored through Jesus.
This inheritance is available not because of anything we can achieve but because of God’s grace, freely given to all who believe. How does knowing that salvation is a gift of grace, not works, change how you live today?
Responding to God at All Times
Throughout our lives, we will all experience both suffering and joy. We'll have times of great grief and times of overflowing happiness. Sometimes, they’ll be separate seasons—but other times, these experiences come together.
In either case and in any situation, James expected Christians to come to God. If someone was suffering, prayer was the call to action. If someone was cheerful, people were to pause and praise God.
This might seem obvious, but when suffering clouds our thinking, we can sometimes forget to prioritize prayer. And when things are going well and we're feeling cheerful, it’s easy to just enjoy our season and not stop long enough to praise God for it. But every season of life is actually just an opportunity to put into practice what James wrote about…
When we are suffering, let us pray. When those around us are suffering, let us pray. When we are cheerful or happy, let us praise God. When others are happy, let us praise God with ...