Inheritance is defined as something as a quality, characteristic, or other immaterial possession received from predecessors.
A couple of years ago, it became necessary for me to have my gall bladder surgically removed. The diagnosis was, “Your gall bladder is a mess, and it has to come out.” I met with my surgeon, a great guy, who appreciated the humorous side of all this. He sat down to discuss the surgery, and began the conversation by asking, “So, who gave this to you?” When I laughed, he said, “I mean from whom did you inherit this messy thing?” When I said that my Mama had hers removed, he said, “Well, there you go. She’s the benefactor.”
Turns out, gall bladders, like many things in this life, are inherited. Inheritance is so much more than monetary gain, material things, and physical things. It can also include things in our spiritual life.
The town of Bethlehem is mentioned 35 times in the Old Testament, yet who knew at that time that it would be the birthplace of Jesus and the beginning of our inheritance as Christians. Bethlehem was chosen many years before the birth.
Jesus was born in Bethlehem to fulfill the prophecy stated by the prophet Micah. He was born as a baby, and in 33 short years gave us the greatest inheritance the world has ever known – Christianity. The baby born in a manger came to tell us that God knows us, that our sins are forgiven, that prayers are answered, and that heaven is assured. What an inheritance!
My messy gall bladder is history now. At my post surgery appointment, my surgeon and I joked about the bad eating and lifestyle choices that contribute to the inheritance of a bad gall bladder. We agreed that some changes needed to be made. As I prepared to leave, he said, “Diane, remember your inheritance; go, and please sin no more.”
I think of that often and wonder if Jesus as the baby in a manger and the man on the cross would say the same thing to us this Christmas. Celebrate the birth of your Savior, the inheritance which is yours, the place in heaven reserved for you, the wonderful heritage of your faith; then, go and sin no more.
Merry Christmas!
We have an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you. 1 Peter 1:4