AUGUST 6

Ephesians 1:11

John came into the living room where his parents were watching the news. He heard the end of a report about a man trying to collect a large inheritance. “If that man’s parents died, why can’t he get the money that was left?” asked John after Dad turned the TV off.

“He ran away from home when he was 16,” Dad explained. “That was 30 years ago, and he never contacted his family again. They searched and searched and realised that he had moved to another country. They made repeated efforts throughout the years to contact him, but he wouldn’t even speak with them.”

“But he’s back now, so won’t he get at least some of the money?” asked John.

Dad shook his head. “Apparently not. His parents didn’t include him in their wills. According to other relatives, they gave up trying to get a response from him and decided not to leave him anything.”

“But now, after they’ve both died, he’s finally shown up and thinks he should have the inheritance?” asked John. “Yes, but now it’s too late,” replied Dad. “He contested the will, but the courts upheld it. They said he’s not entitled to any of the money.”

“Wow!” exclaimed John. “That man claims he always intended to come back. I‘m sure he’s sorry now that he didn’t come sooner.” “I’m sure that’s true,” agreed Dad. “He learned a hard lesson-and a very common one. Do you realise that something similar happens every day?”

“It does?” asked John in surprise. “You mean there are lots of people who leave home and ignore their parents, and then they try to get some money, but it’s too late?”

“That happens often enough,” said Dad, “but what I really meant is that God offers an inheritance to everyone who comes to Him through Jesus, but many ignore Him. They’re too busy doing their own thing. When the end of life comes, they’re going to want the inheritance God had offered, but He’s going to say, ‘Sorry, but it’s too late to receive an inheritance. Your name isn’t in the will-the Book of Life.’”

Thought: Do you have the heavenly inheritance of salvation?

Prayer: Gracious heavenly Father, thank You that this heavenly inheritance is available to all who trust in Jesus. Although I am only a child, teach me that this is serious stuff, and help me be very sure I will be able to claim the great inheritance You offer. This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.