Heirs
Scripture Reading — Romans 8:1-17
Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ. . . .
A recent study describes what is called the “Great Wealth Transfer.” Over the next few decades, the baby boomer generation is expected to transfer $68 trillion in financial assets to the next generation. The heirs of these asset holders are set to receive a large inheritance!
Our text today informs us that we are heirs of God. How is this possible? Through the grace of God the Father, the sacrifice of Jesus the Son, and our adoption brought about by the Holy Spirit, we are members of God’s family! As a result, we are “heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ.”
And what exactly belongs to God? Psalm 24:1 tells us: “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.” Jesus, as the one and only Son of God, is the rightful heir and is set to inherit all that belongs to his Father. And, amazingly, because we’re adopted as children of God, we are co-heirs with Christ! This has been God’s plan all along. He knew in advance that we would “be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that [Jesus] might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters” (Romans 8:29).
And, like Jesus, we will also inherit suffering. But our suffering is not a requirement for the inheritance; instead, suffering is an inevitable result of identifying with Jesus. As Hebrews 12:3 reminds us, “Consider [Jesus] who endured such opposition . . . so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” Focusing on Jesus helps us to persevere.
Inspire us, Lord, to keep our hearts focused on Jesus, who has given himself so that we can be your children and heirs. In his name we pray. Amen.
About the author — Gerrit Bomhof
Gerrit Bomhof immigrated as a young child with his family from the Netherlands to Vancouver Island, British Columbia, in 1954. He graduated from Trinity Christian College in 1972 and from Calvin Theological Seminary in 1976. He served as a pastor to five churches in Canada and retired in June 2017.
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