HIS DEATH MADE ME VERY RICH!

HIS DEATH MADE ME VERY RICH!

Heb 9:15-17

15 And for this cause he is the mediator of the New Testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.

16 For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator.

17 For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth.

Rom 8:16-18

16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

Jan Karon, in her Mitford novels, tells of an Anglican priest, Father Tim, who adopts a young boy who grew up in deep poverty, ignorance and abuse. This lad attracted the attention of someone very rich and so a trust fund was set up for his education with an additional million dollars, plus interest, available to him when he became mature enough to receive it with dignity, wisdom and grace. So it is with the riches Jesus has left to us. He dispenses it as we need it and as we are able to receive it with dignity, wisdom and grace.

All the things you now own will one day belong to another. If you die intestate, without a valid will, then it is likely that the government will auction off your stuff to pay any outstanding debts. They will then determine how to disburse the remainder, if any, of your valuables. If you have a will it will clearly state which of the heirs will receive what valuables you leave behind. In the same way the death of Christ bequeathed great wealth to His heirs. His death made me very rich.

2 Cor 8:9

9 For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.

Gal 4:1-2

4:1 Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all;

2 But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father.

          Oh, yes, I am very rich and so are you if you are a believer. The death of Jesus has made us joint-heirs of all that is rightfully His. We have been adopted out of our deep poverty and made to sit at the table of the King as a prince or princess. All that we own may not be immediately in our control due to our ignorance or immaturity but it is ours nonetheless. While we live out our lives on this earth the Father dispenses the riches that we are able to handle with dignity, wisdom and grace. The rest is held in reserve till that day when we will dwell in a city whose streets are paved with gold clear as crystal and whose walls are encrusted with gems and whose gates are made of pearl. There awaits me riches so valuable that nothing is worth their trade.

We skip along life’s dusty road threadbare and empty while we wait for the riches reserved to us. I am reminded of the words to that old Hymn “I’m a child of the King.” Let these words encourage you today.

My Father is rich in houses and lands.

He holdeth the wealth of the world in his hands.

Of rubies and diamonds, of silver and gold,

His coffers are full – he has riches untold.

I’m a child of the King, a child of the King.

With Jesus my savior, I’m a child of the King.

Dear Lord, your death made me very rich. Help me to receive your gifts with dignity, wisdom and grace. AMEN