How can we apply the principle of inheritance to our spiritual responsibilities today? Setting the scene in 1 Chronicles 6:71 “The Gershomites received from the half-tribe of Manasseh: Golan in Bashan and Ashtaroth, together with their pasturelands.” The Levites never held vast territories; instead, the Lord scattered them in designated towns so that worship, teaching, and sacrifice would permeate the whole nation. Their inheritance was purposeful, not accidental—it positioned them to serve. Seeing the pattern of inheritance • The Levites’ portion came directly from God’s command (Deuteronomy 18:1-2; Joshua 13:33). • They received places, not for private comfort, but for public ministry. • Possession and responsibility were inseparable: where they lived determined whom they served. Translating the Old Testament pattern into New Testament truths • Our ultimate inheritance is Christ Himself (Ephesians 1:14; 1 Peter 1:4). • Like the Levites, we are “a royal priesthood” (1 Peter 2:9), positioned by God where gospel influence is needed. • Christ “is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance” (Hebrews 9:15). • The Holy Spirit is the present pledge of what is fully ours later (Ephesians 1:13-14). Practical ways to steward our spiritual inheritance • Cultivate daily fellowship with the One who is our portion—prayerful dependence, regular time in His Word (Psalm 16:5-6). • Treat every sphere—home, workplace, community—as territory entrusted to you for ministry, just as the Levites treated their cities. • Guard the purity of the gospel; inheritances can be squandered or diluted (Jude 3). • Invest spiritual riches in others: “Entrust to faithful men who will also be qualified to teach others” (2 Timothy 2:2). • Live generously; material resources become tools for eternal gain (Proverbs 13:22 applied spiritually). Passing the baton to the next generation • Share testimonies of God’s faithfulness—storytelling cements family heritage (Psalm 78:4-7). • Teach doctrine clearly; fuzzy truth is a lost inheritance. • Model obedience; what children see shapes what they believe. • Involve younger believers in service early, the way Levites were trained within their towns. Living today with an eternal perspective The Levites’ scattered cities remind us that every Christian life is a strategic placement. Our true land is coming, but our present “pasturelands” are ripe fields for faithful stewardship. Let’s prize Christ as our portion, manage well what He assigns, and hand off an undiminished inheritance to those who follow. |
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