Heirs of God

 Genesis 28:10-19, Romans 8:12-25

Our Old Testament reading is the famous story of Jacob’s ladder. It tells of the dream Jacob has of a ladder ascending into heaven with angels. This shows God’s presence in a time of Jacob’s suffering. He is on the run from his brother Esau. God speaks to him and lists the promises given to Abraham saying that now Jacob is the heir to these covenant promises. The Lord assures him that God is with him and will not leave until God has done what the Lord has promised. Jacob is comforted by the realization of surely the Lord is in this place. Seeing God and hearing these promises gives Jacob great faith and hope.

In Romans we are told how we have been adopted by God. We are not only children of God but due to this we are God’s heirs also. Due to this we can cry, “Abba Father.” The word “abba” represents a deeply personal trusting relationship with God. Jesus as our brother is a joint heir and if we suffer with him we may also be glorified with him. Paul claims that the sufferings of this present time will not even compare with the glory to be revealed to us.

Paul looks forward to the rebirth of all creation. I love how he says it will be free from its enslavement to decay – yay no more dusting, cleaning, and upkeep! He tells how the whole creation is suffering labor pains. This metaphor includes us as we groan inwardly for the redemption of our bodies and of the new creation.

This glory to come is what we hope for. Now hope seen like Jacob seeing and being in God’s presence with angels on the steps is not what Paul says is true hope. Hope without seeing is the truest form of hope. It is something we wait for patiently bearing the labor pains that will eventually bring us and the world to a glorious re-creation. This is what we will inherit as heirs of God. Amen.

 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Choosing the Better Part

Luke 10:38-42, Colossians 1:15-28 In our Luke passage we have the familiar story of Mary and Martha. Mary is sitting at Jesus’ feet listening to what he was saying while Martha is busy in the kitchen. When she complains to Christ about Mary not helping, trying to use his authority to get her to work, Jesus replies quite differently. He tells Martha that she is worried and distracted by many things. Only one thing here is important and he says Mary has chosen the better part. This better part is told in detail by the apostle Paul in Colossians. Christ is said to be the image of the invisible God. All things were created not only through him but for him. Was creation made so that Christ could become human and bring salvation? Since he is the first born of the dead he has first place in everything. Through him salvation was accomplished – making peace through the blood of his cross. From this we have been reconciled in his fleshly body death so we can present ourselves holy and blamel...
Read more

Good Gifts Given

Psalm 85:7-13, Luke 11:5-13 In Psalm 85 the psalmist talks about the good gifts God will give. These include salvation, steadfast love, faithfulness, and peace. It tells how the Lord will give what is good so their land will increase in its yields. Our passage in Luke follows the Lord’s Prayer and tells a parable about waking up one’s neighbor asking for bread for your guests. Though they refuse at first due to your persistence they will give you what you need. Jesus tells the disciples to ask and it shall be given to you, search and it will be found (The Lord helps me a lot with this one when I look for something I’ve misplaced). Then knock and the door will be opened. He repeats this by saying everyone who asks will receive, everyone who searches finds, and everyone who knocks on the door it will be opened. We are told to ask for good things to be given to you. Search for the right path and God as Holy Spirit will help you find it. Then knock on the doors of opportunities and t...
Read more

Healing of Flesh and Heart

II Kings 5:1-14, Psalm 30 The great man and commander of Aram’s army, Naaman, could conquer anything except his skin disease. When he hears from a young girl captive that the prophet in Israel could heal him he sends money to the king of Israel with the message that he might cure him. But alas the king tears his clothes knowing he can’t do it, scared this might cause a quarrel between the countries. But when Elisha hears of this he sends a message to the king saying, “Let him come to me so that he can learn there is a prophet in Israel.” So, he goes to him with great fanfare – horses and chariots but Elisha doesn’t bother to greet him but sends a messenger with directions of what he must do to be healed. Naaman becomes angry at Elisha for not greeting him and performing what he was expecting. Instead, he gives strange but simple instructions. Naaman goes away in a rage but the servants again come to his rescue. If he was asked to do something difficult wouldn’t he have done it, how...
Read more