Going back to the beginning, let us learn a few more things about inheritance. Look at the progression of interaction of Yahweh Elohim with Abraham

1. Genesis 12:1 — A call with a promise of a land to “show”, to which Abraham responded how?
2. Genesis 12:6 — A promise ‘I will give’ after Abraham took the first step of faith, believing the call, and
3. Genesis 13:14-15 — ‘the land given’ after a separation from one who moved by sight and hustling for short term benefits, rather than wait upon a promise with long term benefits, the word of God! The latter demonstrated eyes to see clearly, following the instruction of the Lord because he knew that the future belongs to the Lord. He’s already there. Don’t be a Lot who was deceived by the allure of what appeared enriching, falling into presumption. Always be conscious to ask, Lord, is this what You want for me?

Through these beginnings we see the first principles of inheritance:

1. It is given by God, and
2. There is a progression of time involved.

Future laws spoke to our responsibilities toward what was given, here a physical inheritance to be kept in the family (Numbers 27:1-11; 36:1-13). [Note the separation here for the priesthood, whose inheritance is the Lord (Numbers 18:20)]

We will see the same duality governing the believer, foretyped first in the physical inheritance of land, and then God choosing Israel for His inheritance in the dividing and governance of the nations (Deuteronomy 32:7-9). Other nations were given to members of the divine council, angelic principalities, but God inherited Israel, speaking directly to the future principle of the church today being God’s inheritance, and gentiles being purchased inheritance.

Once more, Ephesians 1:11-14 affirms that believers are bought by the blood of Jesus Christ, guaranteeing to us not a physical inheritance but a spiritual inheritance more valuable than anything earthly we may have or seek to have. Learn from the story of the rich young ruler (Matthew 19:16-29) noting the emphasis in Ephesians 5:17, Romans 12:1-2; Colossians 3:23-24.

Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. Ephesians 5:17

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

And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. Colossians 3:23-24

Shalom.

Pastor Afolabi Oladele