A Glorious Inheritance

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Scripture: Romans 8:16-17 (ESV)

16 The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.

Devotion:

What does it mean to be an heir of God and a co-heir with Christ? It means that we have a glorious inheritance that awaits us in heaven. It means that we are part of God’s family and that we share in his love, his grace, his power, and his glory. It means we have a hope that surpasses anything this world can offer. And most importantly, it means that we are not alone. We have the Spirit of God living in us, confirming our identity as God's children and our destiny as co-heirs with Christ.

But being an heir of God and a co-heir with Christ also means we share in his sufferings. We will face trials, persecutions, hardships, and temptations in this life. We will have to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Jesus. We will have to endure pain, sorrow, and loss for the sake of Christ.

But we do not suffer in vain. We suffer with a purpose and a promise. We suffer with the assurance that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. We suffer with the expectation that we will be conformed to the image of Christ and that we will reign with him in his eternal kingdom. And we suffer with the joy that we are participating in the sufferings of Christ, who suffered for us and with us, and in doing so, we are drawing closer to him.

Let us rejoice in our inheritance as God’s children and co-heirs with Christ. Let us not be discouraged by our sufferings, but let us look forward to the glory that awaits us. Let us not be ashamed of the gospel but boldly proclaim it. Let us not be afraid of the world but overcome it by faith. Let us not be conformed to this age, but let us be transformed by the renewing of our minds, living a life that reflects the love and grace of our Lord. Let us not live for ourselves, but let us live for him who died for us and rose again.

Prayer:

            Lord God Almighty, thank you for the gift of your only Son that makes us your children. It is a glorious inheritance that we are not worthy of. You, however, love us with a steadfast and all-powerful love that overcomes our selfish sinfulness, a love that secures us in our relationship with you and cherishes us as your own. Teach us to take up our crosses and carry them for you willingly. To you be all glory, laud, and honor! Amen.

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