THE CHILDREN OF PROMISE
"Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise." (Gal 4:28 KJV)
Devotion 12 of 15

SOME ARE DELUDED

For some, being a "child of promise" finds its apex in good health and adequate financial resources. This would be like Isaac being satisfied while Ishmael remained in the house! Jesus calls us to bigger and higher things than earthly security and happiness. It is true these things may be involved. Of course, they may not also, but that does not touch the matter of being a "child of promise."

To have enough resources to buy what you need is one thing. To own everything and have no need to buy anything is something else! The "children of promise" are called to inherit the latter! The bulk of their inheritance is ahead!

Some Are Silent

It is unfortunate that some choose to be silent about the inheritance. They feel unsure speaking of such things, and thereby betray their lack of confidence in Christ. Let those who despise the inheritance consider the Word of the Lord. " . . . you were called for the very purpose that you might INHERIT a blessing" (1 Pet 3:9, NASB). That inheritance is to be zealously sought, and with great expectation. After all, Jesus said "He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son" (Rev 21:7). In Christ "we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose, who works all things after the counsel of His will, to the end that we who were the first to hope in Christ should be to the praise of His glory" (Eph 1:11-12, NASB).

The "Holy Spirit of promise" has been given to us as the "earnest" or down payment of that "inheritance" (Eph 1:14). Do not think that this inheritance is beyond your reach, or that you are not qualified to obtain it. The Lord has addressed our situation completely. The Father is described as the One "Who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in light" (Col 1:12, NASB).

Remember, they who are called, are to "receive the promise of the eternal inheritance" (Heb 9:15). They are the "children of promise." In fact, God "has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you" (1 Pet 1:3-4, NASB).

This inheritance belongs exclusively to the "children of promise." Those whose nature does not comport with the people promised by God have no part in the inheritance. Like Hagar and Ishmael, they will be "cast out." Hagar worked, and so did Ishmael, but their work could not gain the inheritance for them. They were not "children of promise," nor were they free.

THE SERIOUSNESS OF THE SITUATION

This is not a subject about which we are to philosophize! Here is something for faith to grasp! Remember, the promises were made to Abraham and his Seed. As it is written, "Now the promises were spoken to Abraham and to his Seed. He does not say, 'And to seeds,' as referring to many, but rather to one, 'And to your Seed,' that is, Christ" (Gal 3:16). Now comes the glorious promise--one you must not miss! "And if ye be Christ's, THEN ARE YE Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise." (Gal 3:29).

How marvelous, therefore, that those in Christ are that "seed." They are "Abraham's seed" by virtue of their union with Christ Jesus. That is another way of saying they are "joint heirs with Christ," who "THE Seed." This is what it means to be "joint heirs with Christ" (Rom 8:17). What awaits the "children of promise" transcends their fondest imagination--and they have been called to possess it.

PRAYER POINT: Father, in Jesus' name, I thank You for an inheritance so grand the anticipation of it can dominate my thoughts.

-- Tomorrow: YOU CAN MISS THE BLESSING --