Saturday, May 19, 2007

Have You Claimed Your Inheritance?

There was once a man living on the streets of Chicago. He did not have a dime to his name. He came to a shelter one dark and rainy evening to seek a hot meal and a night’s sleep. He did not awaken. That was his last night on earth.

Unbeknownst to this man, he was a millionaire. A long, lost relative had willed him a fortune of several million dollars. Estate lawyers had searched for the man, but because he had no address they never located him. His fortune sat in a bank vault to be enjoyed by no one.

Did you know that you are a wealthy person? You have treasure beyond estimation awaiting you. This wealth comes from a relationship with Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

The Apostle Paul, in Ephesians 1.3-14, speaks about the great wealth a person can have in Jesus. It is a fortune that includes being identified as a child of God, the Creator of All. It is a fortune that includes the cleansing of our lives from the stain of sin. It is a fortune that includes the hope of a brighter and everlasting future. It is a fortune that includes the indwelling presence of God that is both inspiring and assuring.

This great wealth, Paul says, is available to those who are in Christ. It is reserved for those who come to a faith in Jesus as the Son of God. It is reserved for those who repent of their sins and turn their lives to Christ. It is reserved for those who identify themselves with the death of Jesus by being baptized, immersed in water.

Did you know that you are a wealthy person? Don’t wait too long to claim your inheritance.