Very few things can split up a family any quicker than when a will is read and an inheritance is bequeathed or withheld from some members of a family. Long standing rivalries can surface that become a supposed justification for a shameful exercise in selfishness. It is amazing how many people seem to forget that an inheritance is generally a gift for which they have bestowed no labor. I have seen adult (supposed) men and women who in regular life seemed happy and content with such things as they possess have a personality change when faced with the prospect of dividing up dad and mom's property. Often each one is so afraid that the other will get an advantage that they become willing to part ways rather than honor the memories of those they say they loved by being glad that they should receive anything upon which they actually have no moral claim.
Even worse are those who wait around the dying beds of their parents or other relatives like vultures just licking their lips at the prospect of a meal. More than one parent has been shuffled off to a nursing home or declared incompetent just so that their heirs can more rapidly take possession of their property. Such things ought not to be, and most assuredly must never appear among those who profess to be the children of GOD. Paul asked, "Why do ye not rather take wrong? why do ye not rather suffer yourselves to be defrauded?"(1Co 6:7) and then he said, "But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content." (1Tim. 6:6-8)
The inheritance of the LORD JESUS CHRIST which is spoken of here is not that which HE has received without labor. The meaning of the word used here is more akin to the word "possession" found in verse 14; "the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory." (Eph 1:14) HE has purchased HIS own inheritance with HIS life's blood, even though that inheritance was given to HIM before the foundation of the world. The psalmist describes the purpose of the FATHER in giving a people to HIM before this time world ever began saying, "Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession. " (Psa 2:8)
Jacob's love for Rachel caused HIM to work for Laban for an extra seven years in order that he might purchase her, unto himself, as a bride. (see Gen.29:18-28) This is the same sort of love that GOD spoke of to the nation of Israel as they stood as a type and foreshadow of that true Israel which is the apple of HIS eye. "For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God: the LORD thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth. The LORD did not set his love upon you, nor choose you, because ye were more in number than any people; for ye were the fewest of all people: But because the LORD loved you, and because he would keep the oath which he had sworn unto your fathers, hath the LORD brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you out of the house of bondmen." (Deut 7:6-8) So indeed the LORD has given HIMSELF for the life of that inheritance or possession which has always been HIS. "For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." (Rom. 5:7-8)
HE has demonstrated (and presently demonstrates) HIS unfailing love for HIS bride; that one in whom HE glories by:
Continually desiring and designing her benefit. "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." (Rom 8:28) HE has ordained everything that comes to pass in order that HIS people might receive an ultimate blessing from those events. "For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory" (2Cor 4:16-17) Sometimes HE brings his people by a way which they knew not and even along a path they would not wish to tread. But HE "daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation." (Psa.68:19) Every step HIS people have taken from the time that they have sprung from their mothers womb have been ordered to result in their best interest. Yea even before they were born has HE ordered the steps of all mankind that HE might manifest HIS great delight in HIS elect, in bringing them into the world at the precise moment that HE intended. "The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way." (Psa 37:23) "Since thou wast precious in my sight, thou hast been honorable, and I have loved thee: therefore will I give men for thee, and people for thy life. Fear not: for I am with thee: I will bring thy seed from the east, and gather thee from the west; I will say to the north, Give up; and to the south, Keep not back: bring my sons from far, and my daughters from the ends of the earth; Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him." (Isa 43:4-7)
Continually desiring and calling her to communion with HIM. "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me." (Rev 3:20) Many modern day evangelists (so called) have misused and misapplied this scripture as though it was the ineffectual pleading of a Savior just hoping someone might respond to his invitation. Such is not the case, HE is not here pleading with men in general but setting forth in no uncertain terms HIS intention of drawing HIS people unto HIMSELF that HE might indeed sup with them and they with HIM. The next verse makes this very clear ( see v.21) as it sets forth the truth of it. "For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth." (Prov 3:12) HIS faithfulness shall not fail in any wise to bring HIS own to a place where "FRIEND holds fellowship with friend." HE desires communion with those HE loves and will not be turned aside in HIS desire. (see Ps.147:10,11; Isa.43:8-13)
Ultimately taking possession of her. We have supped with HIM in the twilight, and walked with HIM in the cool of the morning mists, we have heard HIS voice as HE put HIS hand in by the door, (see S.of Sol.5:4), but there is coming a day when faith shall be sight and that which we have seen through a glass darkly we shall see in the light of the noonday sun. (see I Cor.13:12; I John 3:2) "But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom." (Mat 26:29)"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." (John 14:3)
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