“When you die, can I have your… [something special that currently belongs to you]?”
Have you ever been asked this question or something similar? Maybe you’ve been the one who has asked it. Are there treasures in your life that are earmarked to go to someone in particular? Is someone else planning to pass along a particular treasure to you?
Inheritances and estate planning are on my mind this week. I’m going to blame the Apostle Paul. In his letter to the churches of Galatia that we’ll hear from again this Sunday, Paul describes the gift of the Spirit as an inheritance, like those that flow from one generation to the next. In this context, the death that has occurred is Jesus’ and we are the inheritors of his treasure; the very breath of God, now coursing in and through us.
But, while inheritance laws fill volumes of books on the shelves of law offices, this spiritual inheritance is something altogether quite different. We don’t need lawyers and judges to determine who gets what piece of property or where the assets rightfully belong. Your baptism, the same one you share with Jesus, is all the claim you need on this inheritance. And there’s nothing left to wait for, the estate has been settled and your full share has already been distributed.
The breath of the Spirit, delivered in a rush of wind and an outpouring of love brings you the fullness of God’s gift, long ago earmarked just for you. Today, let’s spend some time wondering what might be possible knowing we’re already inheritors of God’s abundance? What good might this accomplish in our lives and the lives of those around us? And who else might benefit from receiving their own share of this holy inheritance?
May God’s peace find you this day. – Pastor Peter
Let us pray…
Gracious God, we give thanks for the breath that gives us life and the inheritance of your love that we have already received. Help us to use this abundance to remain faithful to your vision, sharing your love with all the world. Amen.