From the online dictionary: Inheritance is the practice of passing on property, titles, debts, rights and obligations upon the death of an individual. It has long played an important role in human societies. Sometimes parents make sure to train their children to receive a good education and profession as an inheritance for the future. We can also inherit character, the features from someone in the family, as well as last names. This was very important years ago, especially if the parents only had girls—their wish was to have a son so that they could pass their name to the next generation. For immigrants like myself, obtaining my Canadian Citizenship was also another kind of inheritance; for me, as a mother it will provide my children a home in this country.
Not long ago Elaine had a project in which she had to explain the history of her ancestors. One of Elaine’s questions was, “how far back can you trace your heritage?” Not far, I answered. On my father’s side I only know the names of my grandparents, because my father’s parents died when he was only 13 years old. On my mother’s side, I remember my grandparents but not my great-grandparents. My grandfather was a very nice and kind man and my grandmother had a very strong personality; most of the time she reminded me of a warrior ready to fight. Her father was from Spain and her mother was Mexican; my grandmother inherited her father’s skin colour which she was very proud of. I remember her saying, “I’m as white as a Jicama.” Jicama is a Mexican fruit which is white on the inside. As you see, I don’t know much about my ancestors, my roots or my background. Once someone asked me if I was a descendant from the Mayan civilization. I said, No, I think I might be a desendant from the Aztec civilization.
Sometimes we want to hear that we belong to a family that was very important, that did something remarkable in history, someone whose name will be mentioned forever, or someone who was wealthy and it will provide us with a good inheritance for the future. In Hebrews 9:16 it says, “For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator.” Jesus, the Son of God came to this world and died and arose victorious and when He left He said in John 14:2–3, “In My Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.”
Sometimes I worry too much about my ancestor’s past and I shouldn’t; I should worry about my future—especially my spiritual future. The Bible mentioned two types of inheritance—the physical inheritance and the spiritual inheritance. I should stop thinking that I am a descendant from the Aztec civilization, because it is something that I may never know. But something that I know for sure is that God Himself sent His Son, the great I am. His majesty was in this world to save you and to save me, He gave His life for us, so that we can be part of His family, His royal family. Famous people and wealthy people might say that they own luxurious cars, castles, Islands and rare and expensive diamonds, but we, as part of God’s family can receive a greater inheritance. “In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of Him who worketh all things after the counsel of His own will.” Ephesians 1:11. “The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein for ever.” Psalm 37:29
The following is a poem by Cindy Wyatt:
Great Inheritance
I have a great inheritance
that will never fade away,
It will last forever and ever
into God’s eternal day.
My inheritance was not earned
but instead was freely given.
This great inheritance is so rich,
much more than we could ever dream,
reserved in Heaven for those
who by Jesus’ blood have been redeemed.
Part of this inheritance is
streets of pure gold that will never tarnish,
shining brightly forevermore,
and the walls with precious stones garnished.
But the best part of it all
is that Jesus the Saviour will be there,
and we’ll be with Him forever,
in the place He has gone to prepare.
“We should not forget that it will be just as important to our descendants to be prosperous in their time as it is to us to be prosperous in our time.” –Theodore Roosevelt
“The best inheritance a parent can give to his children is a few minutes of their time each day.” –M. Grundler
“Property left to a child may soon be lost but the inheritance of virtue—a good name, an unblemished reputation—will abide forever. If those who are toiling for wealth to leave their children, would but take half the pains to secure for them virtuous habits, how much more serviceable would they be. The largest property may be wrested from a child, but virtue will stand by him to the last.” –William Graham Sumne
“To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you.” 1 Peter 1:4
We have a reservation in heaven for all of us. God sent His Son so that we can learn from Jesus and follow His example. We are very valuable to God and Jesus; everything that we receive and gain in this world is for this world, but everything that we learn from Jesus will open to us the doors of heaven and we will be able to receive His inheritance. But we are going to have our hands empty, as Jesus says in Matthew 11:28, “Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
Our new heart will rejoice with joy, happiness, thankfulness and love for Jesus and God, and then we will know that we are part of His family. “The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage.” Psalm 16:6
“Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light” (Colossians 1:12), this is my wish and prayer. Amen.
Lucy Romero