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.
“Jireh” YOU are enough ♥️
REBECCA- praying for your son today and his continued journey with sobriety. That he be covered in the armor of God and angels be sent to fight on his behalf.
MICHELLE PATIRE- I know that feeling. I’m sorry… and don’t let the enemy discourage you. One thing I’m learning to do right now with a couple of ppl in my life whom I’m trying to share Jesus with is to pray as often as I can “God show me what they CAN hear from and about you. Speak through me the words that YOU know will reach their heart..” I’m also consistently praying the key verse from this study- He will give them eyes to see, ears to hear, and a new heart. Hopefully it will help when you share with your sister. Also- have you ever asked her, hey it feels like you shut me down when I try to share personal things about my faith: may I ask why?? Who knows- maybe her answer will open your eyes to a more effective way of approaching the conversation next time…?? Regardless- I’m praying. Keep praying that God will give her a desire for His word and His salvation and she may have the wisdom to see it.
Prayer request: I am having a procedure done tomorrow afternoon to check for endometriosis, scar tissue from a C-section, and cysts. My hubby and I are on the road to transfer our remaining frozen embryo via IVF. Please pray that wisdom abounds through this and that my hubby and I draw closer to each other as we walk through infertility once more.
I hit enter lol. I meant to add that it took reaching a rock bottom for myself to recognize God in the midst of chaos. I remembered the words of family and friends in that moment rather than more evil lies. Praise be to God- what was lost was found.
Michelle Patire, I am praying for you, your sister, and your relationship. From my experience of being the one who did not want anything to do with Christianity though I wasn’t bold in that, I believe she hears you when you are speaking truth, so don’t stop trying. If she is anything like I was, she may be feeling envious of you because of the peace you have and that you look more “together” than she does at this moment. I have many sisters and there have been times the evil one has whispered lies in my ear that I am the screw up. I am the lesser sister in comparison to my amazing sisters. It took me
This makes me think of the song Your Grace Is Enough! Just reflecting on Ezekiel – exiled people, worshiping idols, the presence of God leaves them, then comes back because of His character- not ours and yet we still fall short!! Thank you God for choosing me!!!
Great is Your faithfulness, o God
You wrestle with the sinner’s heart
You lead us by still waters and to mercy
And nothing can keep us apart
So remember Your people
Remember Your children
Remember Your promise, o God
Your grace is enough
Your grace is enough
Your grace is enough for me
Great is Your love and justice, God
You use the weak to lead the strong
You lead us in the song of Your salvation
And all Your people sing along
So remember Your people
Remember Your children
Remember Your promise, o God
Your grace is enough
Your grace is enough
Your grace is enough for me
This makes me think of the song Your Grace Is Enough! Just reflecting on Ezekiel – exiled people, worshiping idols, the presence of God leaves them, then comes back because of His character- not ours and yet we still fall short!! Thank you God for choosing me!!!
I will be content in every circumstance, Jireh, you are enough!