No Longer Slaves But Heirs
Can you imagine inheriting lots of wealth or property—or maybe just receiving something really valuable for free? In Galatians 4:7, the Apostle Paul writes, “So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; since you are his child, God has made you also an heir.” According to Paul, children of God will receive a huge inheritance.
But this is no ordinary inheritance. Paul is talking about an inheritance far superior to what we usually think of as wealth.
God rescues us from our enslavement to the powers of this world, Paul says. And Jesus sets us free from sin, darkness, and death. In the Messiah, God adopts us into his family as his beloved children and heirs. And because of this, we inherit God’s unending life and receive honor, love, and a true home in a renewed creation.
What would change in your interactions and thoughts about fellow followers of Jesus if you were to see them as God’s children and beloved brothers and sisters—not your competition or opposition? Most people won’t receive huge inheritances of wealth or property, but God’s children will all receive—equally and without partiality—God’s endless love and eternal life.
Take a deep breath, pause, and consider your shared eternal inheritance with Jesus and others in the family of God.
Jesus Does The Impossible
Jesus’ statement in Matthew 19:26 is often taken out of context. Many people have taken this verse to mean that they can do anything they want in life because God can do the impossible. Often this can lead to selfish prayers and a small view of God.
In order to understand what Jesus is saying, we should read the preceding verses. In Matthew 19:16-22, a young man comes to Jesus asking for eternal life. Jesus tells him that he must give up all of his earthly possessions—something the young man is not willing to do. Because he failed the test, the young man failed to inherit eternal life.
Jesus says in Matthew 19:23 that it is very difficult for a rich man to enter heaven. The point is that loving Jesus requires everything we are. Our ultimate love cannot be split between Jesus and something else.
The disciples then ask, “Who can be saved?” Jesus responds in Matthew 19:26 that it is impossible for man to save himself—but it is possible with God. God can do the ...