S150P5 – This precious Earth: the Father’s bequest
Mt. 5:5
Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
Even in life, we must prepare for death. For anyone who owns property, they understand that one day they will pass away and their stuff will remain. Typically, those who can expect to inherit from an estate will be children or other family. Some people will leave a gift fo an organization or a school, but most people will leave their money and property to other people who mean something to them. We can assume that the beneficiary of an estate had a special relationship with the decedent. Each bequest will be considered and weighed because the decision is important. It is a matter of who you love and trust, and who you desire to carry on your legacy in some way.
Some will read this passage and think that the idea of inheritance is misplaced. After all, God is alive today. That is much different than how we think of inheritance. Yet, we must remember that God died to redeem us and all creation. Jesus Christ on Earth was God incarnate. It is through his death that we have hope to receive this gift, this inheritance of a renewed and perfect creation. The meek and lowly who do not use the methods of the world for gain will end up gaining the world. Some may have power and control over the nations and the land today by ungodly ways and for ungodly purposes, but that will be corrected. Those who are spiritually inclined toward God will be entrusted with all creation in time.
Some people wait for the rich uncle or parent or grandparent to pass away and leave behind a fortune. They know one day their ship will come in even if they do not know how big that ship will be. We know, however, that those inheritances also will pass away one day no matter how big they are. They are good only for a short time. On the other hand, the children of God are awaiting the inheritance of an entire kingdom which includes all creation. If we are looking forward to an inheritance, it should be that. In the meantime, we must remember to practice the meekness the Lord practiced here. Father, thank You for the promise of this great inheritance, and remind us to remain hopeful for this perfect gift to come.