Holy Inheritance
11-04-07
Luke 6:20-31; Ephesians 1:11-23
I read an article about inheritances in America recently. It stated that most people expect to receive an inheritance, but, in truth, only a small percentage actually do. This surprised me in a way, because I figured that with the increase in living standards and wealth, everyone would receive an inheritance. This is also surprising, considering all the emotion surrounding “the death tax.” According to Wikipedia, “Inheritance is the practice of passing on property, titles, debts and obligations upon the death of an individual.” Therefore, it depends upon the death of someone for items or wealth to be transferred. The way this works varies according to culture.
In ancient Israel, the oldest son got double what everyone else was to receive, and in Japan, the eldest son receives everything. This is good news for those of us who are the eldest sons. Inheritance goes beyond material items and can also describe physical characteristics such as blue eyes or olive skin color or certain behavioral traits. My mother, sister and I walk on our tiptoes all the time. My father tells me this is a genetic trait related to royal inbreeding on my mother’s side; her family always claimed royal relatives!
In today’s lesson from Ephesians, the author is addressing two groups of people: those who have been Christians for a while, and new Christians. The whole letter to the Ephesians is concerned about the nature of the church and the need for unity. The author uses the term “inheritance” to describe our relationship with God. Remember the two typical conditions of an inheritance? It involves someone dying and that person is usually is someone in the family.
The mature Christians were being reminded that they have been adopted into God’s family and that because of the death of Christ, they had all the benefits of being a child of God. The passage continues to say they have received a down payment on the full inheritance at the moment they believed in Christ -- that being the gift of the Holy Spirit, which is typically associated with our baptism.
Baptism is a seal, a marker indicating that they, as well as modern-day Christians, have become God’s children, members of Christ’s church, and that the Spirit is given to us to empower and guide us. At this point, our name changes from “sinner” to “saint.” You see, not all saints are dead. The New Testament used the word “saint” to describe all the living believers.
Since we have been adopted by God and now bear the title of saint, we also reflect the characteristics of the family. Remember, inheritance can go beyond material wealth to also describe characteristics that have been inherited.
Ephesians indicates that saints constantly praise God, demonstrate brotherly love, pray for each other, and live lives that bring praise to God. It is clear that these are marks of more mature Christians, whereas the author prays that new Christians may be given a spirit of wisdom and revelation, that they be aware of what God has done for them and will do in transforming their lives. It is very easy to be misled and to behave based on selfishness when we lack the spiritual vision which comes from God. The ability to live saintly lives is not based on human effort, just as an inheritance is not based on our actions but is a gift. It is the power of God, the same power that raised Jesus from the dead which works in Christians to change our behavior and our views.
In today’s gospel lesson, Jesus describes how saints behave and relate to others. Jesus states, "But I say to you that listen, ‘Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from anyone who takes away your coat, do not withhold even your shirt. Give to everyone who begs from you; and if anyone takes away your goods, do not ask for them again. Do to others as you would have them do to you.’ "
Some biblical scholars state that these words do not describe a possible reality but are an ideal to think about. If we tried to live as saints on our own power, then I agree that walking in love, rejecting hatred and anger, practicing extreme generosity and forgiveness are impossible. But, if we realize the inheritance we have and the power of God’s spirit in our lives, then sainthood in this life is a real possibility as we seek to be faithful. It is God’s desire to draw all things to God’s self. Through Christ, God is accomplishing this. We all have been drawn together in God’s love. We have been adopted through Christ. Now we are called to walk the saintly life, filled with praise, thanksgiving, love and the Spirit. Amen.