5-22-22 Sermon Notes “Our Inheritance”

How important is it in the Bible for someone to have an “heir?” It was of extreme importance. All we have to do is go back to Abraham. God called Abraham (then Abram) to leave his country and his kindred and to go to a land that God would show him. God promised to make of Abraham a “great nation.” So…lots of people. After a while, Abraham was wondering about God’s promise. His and Sarah’s biological clocks were about run down, and nothing was happening in the “heir” department. In Genesis 15, Abraham has heard God’s promise of an heir three times, but unless he had a child of his own, Abraham’s inheritance would pass from his family to the family of his servant, Eliezer. Abraham says, “Lord, where is the heir you promised me?” Abraham had faith…he was just not always patient. (I can relate!). Abraham had questions, and maybe even some doubts, so he asked God. You and I can also go to God with our doubts, fears, and questions. The Lord is faithful, and has perfect timing.

In the Gospel reading for this week, we see a group of disciples who also have questions and doubts. Jesus has told them of his impending death, resurrection and ascension. Jesus also promised them an inheritance. Jesus was going to pass something on to them (and by extension, to all those who follow Jesus as his disciples). The Lord is faithful, and has perfect timing. See if you can find what our inheritance is from Jesus’ words in John 14: 23-29.

23 Jesus answered him, “Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. 24 Whoever does not love me does not keep my words, and the word that you hear is not mine but is from the Father who sent me.
25 “I have said these things to you while I am still with you. 26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and remind you of all that I have said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid. 28 You heard me say to you, ‘I am going away, and I am coming to you.’ If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father, because the Father is greater than I. 29 And now I have told you this before it occurs, so that when it does occur you may believe.
Join us this Sunday as we take a closer look at our wonderful inheritance as followers of Jesus!
Grace and peace,
Pastor Sam