Inheritance

Saturday we had a funeral for Ken Clipperton’s mother, Betty Fitzgarrald, with a number of family talking about her compliance to the charge found in Philippians 2:3-4: Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.  Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.

Others!  Not personal betterment or glory, but humbly serving others.  The passage challenges us to know others.  That is, to spend time talking with them, listening to them, taking a serious interest in their lives, and desiring to serve them – then doing it!  Betty lived that.  What an inheritance she gave to her family and friends.  Thanks be to God for His servant Betty.

Generally, we think of an inheritance as material things received at the passing of a loved one.  Inheritances like money, land, a family Bible, a gun or bedroom set, a business, or other.  Inheritance can also be fame or name like the name Rockefeller or Ruth (Babe) or Capone – their fame or name can be inherited.  When in North Platte, I have already received a rich inheritance in the name “Buttermore” for my father cut a wide swath touching a host of people.  When there just recently, I engaged a couple of people on the street by simply saying, “Buttermore is the name” and doors opened and conversation ensued.

I have also inherited a rich legacy from my mother who loved people sacrificially.  She also loved her Jesus and His word.  I inherited a rich heritage of love – both vertical and horizontal from her.  My inheritance is great!

Contrary to the thinking of our government that because you did not earn the millions your father made, you should not receive any or much of it as an inheritance, God says: A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, Proverbs 13:22.  Don’t spend your wealth on you – give it away and leave an inheritance!

Also, leave a rich Biblical inheritance with your children.  Be enmeshed in God’s word letting it capture your mind and your heart and let it spill forth as overflow from your life.

Psalm 78 gives us such a challenge.  Consider these points:

1-2. Some things are hard, dark, and confusing (predestination, Hell, triunity, or sanctification)

While hard, teach them.  In time they will resonate.  Same with memorizing the Bible.  We taught our kids I Thessalonians 5:16-24.  5:19, Do not quench the Spirit – What? Teach them truth and in time it will take root and bear fruit.

3 Be a student of the past – know history.

Next Sunday is Shavuot – the Feast of Weeks – Pentecost.  The church was born.  Know and teach!  Yesterday was VE Day and modern Israel was founded.  Know and teach!

4 Show and tell the coming generations – God is great!  Know the OT stories and the gospel stories.  Read Psalm 78:29-39 and teach it!

5 Know the truths, principles, ordinances of God and keep them!  Understand that we are all being discipled – ALL – by whom and into what?  So are your kids!

6 Note a generational challenge – a church carved into subsets is not Biblical.  It is happening to our country – segregating.  It once was “One nation under God, indivisible…”

7 Tell the stories and teach the truths to your child – that they might be saved and obey.  We and our kids need to be Psalm 1 people – meditating on His Word day and night!

8 Do not be like others or some of the previous generation.  Meaning?

9-10 They were armed and powerful – yet afraid.  Why?  They forgot and disobeyed.  OUCH!

I Peter 1:4 teaches us of a great inheritance that is securely in the future of every believer (1:5, kept there by God’s power – not our works or lack thereof).  That inheritance is to be welcomed into God’s glory!  It is to be ushered into joy, peace, love and beauty that is incomprehensible.  It is to behold the beauty of the Lord and be moved to worship Him.  Oh, what an inheritance lies ahead for those saved by faith in the work of Jesus!