“…an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away” (1 Peter 1:4)
     I got caught in traffic behind a large vehicle. It made for a tedious drive with the obstructed view and the slow progress. I did find some amusement, however, when I spotted the bumper sticker attached to the mobile home. “We’re spending our children’s inheritance.” Their children might not have been as amused.
     That’s the problem with inheritances. We can never be absolutely certain what they will look like when it’s time to take possession. The house bequeathed to us may be broken down. Promised finances may be depleted. Plus, what happens if we die before our parents and are not around to receive the inheritance, or because we somehow displeased our parents, we are disinherited?      Â
     Peter speaks to us as pilgrims on a journey, away from home and tells us of a radically different inheritance. It’s like a family living in squalor receiving a letter from a law firm telling them they are heirs of a vast estate. That news brings them comfort and joy, anticipation and longing. It assures them that their suffering and sojourning are of limited duration. It infuses in them strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow.
     In Christ, as ones enfolded into the family of God, we are heirs. An inheritance awaits us. The question is, though, what will that inheritance look like when we take hold of it, that is, if we take possession of it? Will we be disappointed? Should we temper our excitement?Â
     Peter allays such fears by describing our inheritance as “incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you” (1 Pet. 1:4). In other words, what is laid up for us in our heavenly home now will be ours in pristine, undepleted, spectacular fullness later. Our name is already on the door and has been prepared for us.
     But what if something happens to us? Can we be disinherited by our disobedience and rebellion? Peter says God has got that aspect covered as well. We have been born again into the family of God and we are “kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time” (1 Pet. 1:5). Peter held fast the promise of Christ: “This is the will of the Father who sent Me, that of all He has given Me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up at the last day. And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day” (John 6:39–40).
     Peter lets us know that God has both bases covered. Our inheritance is kept for us and we are kept for our inheritance. That means that when we find ourselves shaken and insecure now, we can turn our thoughts to know that nothing in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God for us in Christ Jesus.
PRINCIPLE: Our hope is in Christ and our home is with Christ. In what way is our heavenly home the same as our heavenly hope?
This article is excerpted from GOT HOPE?: A Devotional Journey through 1 Peter (Stanley D. Gale, Waxed Tablet Publications, 2024, pages 30-31). It is the second volume in a devotional trilogy on faith, hope, and love.
If you have found this meditation helpful, take a moment and give thanks to God. Then share what you learned with a friend. This is how the grace of God spreads (2 Cor. 4.15).
