The inheritance has been given

Hebrews 9:16-17 For where a covenant is, there must of necessity be the death of the one who made it. For a covenant is valid only when men are dead, for it is never in force while the one who made it lives. I’ve waited until this verse to explain the meaning of the word covenant. The author said that a covenant is like the last will and testament of an individual. It’s purpose is to dispose of the inheritance according to the will of the deceased. Remember that in the last verse, he introduced the idea of an inheritance. “For this reason He is the mediator of a new covenant, so that... those who have been called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance.” It is a legally binding document that gives clear title to the recipients stated within. The author in this verse made a point everyone understood. A last will and testament is only enacted when the one who made it dies. The following verses unpack the contrast the author was making between the old and new covenants. So we will get to that tomorrow. However, today, let’s be encouraged by the obvious. God drew up a will, leaving an inheritance to His children of eternal life. The only way the inheritance could be given to them is if God died. Jesus is God in the flesh. He came so He could die and the children receive the inheritance. The author’s point was that Jesus has died and the inheritance has been given. The new covenant is now in force! Do you have eternal life? John wrote in his first epistle. “He who has the Son, has the life. He who does not have the Son of God does not have life. These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life” (1 John  5:12–13). Having eternal life isn’t difficult to detect. The fruit of eternal life is faith and love, the two things Jesus commanded His followers to do. “Believe in Me,” commanded Jesus in John 14:1, and “Love one another as I have loved you,” in John 13:34. Have you ever received an inheritance from a deceased family member? Weren’t you overwhelmed with gratitude that the deceased person loved you so much to include you in his or her will? How much more should we be overwhelmed by the love of God? Jesus’ life is our inheritance. His life is the light of our lives. His love is the outflashing of His light. Today, may we be filled with gratitude for the inheritance we have received through Christ. Live to love with Jesus to show your gratitude.