One of the things I loved most in my grandmother’s house was an old spinning wheel. It sat in the room that I always stayed in when I slept over. It wasn’t really usable anymore—it was an heirloom from the Civil War era. But, even as a little girl, I was fascinated by it. I wanted to know how it worked and who had used it in the years before I laid eyes on it. I would think about the women in my family who in previous generations had spun yarn on it that would be turned into blankets and clothes and table linens. I hoped that when I got older and my grandmother passed, it might one day be left to me to have in my own house. There were many things of my grandmother’s that I loved, but for some reason, that is one of the things I treasure most. It doesn’t have the greatest financial value, I just love it because I associate it with her and the time I spent in her home.
There is a rich meaning in the idea of an inheritance. Whether it is a small but meaningful knick-knack or a beloved family heirloom, an inheritance reminds us of the legacy that extends past a single life.
In Ezekiel 44 the priests from the line of Zadok were given the richest inheritance of all—God Himself. All the other Levite priests had violated their calling and the temple of God, but Zadok and his descendents remained faithful even in the face of rampant rebellion. In a scene reminiscent of Moses on Mount Sinai, as Ezekiel envisioned a new temple and a restored Israel, he received God’s directions for how the future temple would be structured and maintained in both building and practices. God gave specific instructions for how the Zadokite priests should live and minister (Ezekiel 44:15–27). These weren’t just so the priests could appear holier than thou, but for the purpose of teaching the Israelites the difference between the sacred and secular—the holy versus the commonplace (Ezekiel 44:23). As a reward for the work, their inheritance was different than everyone else. They received no land or special portion. God alone was their inheritance.
Let that sink in.
God could have given them anything they wanted—all the land, wealth, or possessions they ever dreamed of. But He didn’t. God gave the priests everything they needed. He was more than enough. In the midst of a people who had pushed God away, He was drawing these faithful priests even closer—His nearness, their reward. What seems like God withholding from the priests at first glance was actually a provision of abundance. He opened up His own table to them, giving them the best of the best—the firstfruits of everyone’s offering. This is the abundance that we are invited to partake in during the season of Lent—the kind of abundance we find only when everything but Christ is cleared away.
This was but a foretaste of the inheritance that has been given to us in Christ. The God of the universe saw fit to give us His only Son. He is enough. As the Great High Priest, He has called and commissioned us to be a royal priesthood, inheriting the very kingdom of God, and becoming temples of the Holy Spirit—His nearness, our greatest reward.
Michelle P– Prayers for this situation and for your sister’s mental health. It’s a hard place to be in when you feel so helpless and even pushed away. I would think of it as the devel coming in between and happy about that, and use that to motivate you to not feel disappointed or small—God is bigger. We don’t see the little seeds we are planting! I was remembering (even before I read your comment!) how my older sister is such a powerful example of the fruits of the spirit! I was pondering on how she responds to all the caus in her life with such wisdom, patients, love, and non-defensive responses when criticized! She would feed into me in my younger years that I am just now seeing! So I hope that gives you more confidence to stay with what you are doing, giving her love, and showing and talking about the ONE that loves us with no condemnation! It matters! Your faithfulness matters! And it will matter to her one day! (we are stubborn remember when we feel guilt in our sin!)
Michelle — You, your sister, and you all’s relationship are in my prayers this morning. I know that must be so frustrating. I’m learning this as well, particularly in the area of relationships, that we have to take our hands ‘off’ and allow God to work sometimes. Your efforts to lovingly share the Word of the Lord with your sister are not in vein, but God may have other plans for reaching her heart. You continue to pray for her, continue to be loving toward her. Let that love and support show her who God is. He loves us ‘in spite of’. God bless you!
I hope to put my wants on the back burner and focus on my needs because that’s what is more important. God is my one need, and I don’t want anything that the world says I should want.
I spoke to my sister on the phone yesterday. The one who went to the hospital for her mental health last week. They transferred her to a rehab type place for behavioral health, because there was no room at the hospital she was in.
I started to briefly share with her what my pastor shared about going through hardship this past weekend. I started by briefly describing the story of Job (which I don’t think my sister is familiar with)– I was just briefly mentioning it so she could understand the context of my pastor’s point — being that there is purpose for pain.
Anyways, as I began to talk about Job I heard her try to stop me. My sister never really interrupts you while you are speaking, but I notice when I try to share the Bible with her, she immediately butts in and tries to shut it down. She doesn’t do that with anything else I talk about.
Anyways, I decided to just get to the point and share that there is hope for her and that her pain will help others, one day.
But I can’t help but be so disappointed. Why does my sister have this gut reaction to shut me up when I bring up Scripture? It makes me feel so small because all I want to do is share the love of Christ with her– I know there are other ways to do that.
And you know, if it was a stranger sharing the Bible with her, I don’t think she’d interrupt them. Something in her doesn’t trust me or my faith– is defensive instead of open to it. I’ve never been a person to shove Jesus down someone’s throat. I do speak boldly of Him, but I try not to do it in an offensive way.
Anyways. I’m bothered this morning and just asking for wisdom and prayer as I continue to try to help my sister. We are a family of 9– and when I grew up, this sister was my best friend. We have drifted so much.
Thanks ladies
My app also doesn’t have all the scripture in it for today!
Yes , mine also is missing scripture today!
My
That Jesus is our inheritance, our reward, our portion is amazing beyond words. I’m humbled to be included in His family! Thank You for sending Your Son, Father God! Hallelujah!