Daily Devotional for May 12, 2017
Lost Inheritance
John came into the family 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?” John asked after Dad turned off the TV.
“He ran away from home when he was sixteen years old,” Dad explained. “That was thirty years ago, and he never contacted his family again. They searched and searched for him and found out he’d moved to another state. They wanted to have a relationship with him again and made repeated efforts throughout the years to contact him, including several visits to the city where he lived. 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 gave up trying to get a response from him and didn’t include him in their wills.”
“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!” said John. “I bet he’s sorry he didn’t make up with his parents when he had the chance.”
Dad nodded. “He learned a hard lesson—and a very common one. Do you realize that something similar happens every day?”
“It does?” asked John in surprise. “You mean there are lots of people who leave home and refuse to have a relationship with their parents?”
“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 Christ. Because of our sin, we’re cut off from God, so He sent Jesus to pay the price of our sin so we could have a relationship with Him. But many people ignore His offer of reconciliation. When life ends, they’re going to want the inheritance—eternal life—given to those who are part of God’s family, but it’s going to be too late. That’s why it’s important to accept God’s offer to have a relationship with Jesus now, while we still can.” – Heather M. Tekavec
How about you?
Will you be able to claim the great inheritance God offers? He’s offering something far better than money—a relationship with Him and life that lasts for all eternity. It’s available to anyone who trusts in Jesus. Someday it will be too late to accept His offer, so don’t put it off. Receive Jesus as your Savior today. (See “The ABCs of Salvation” in the column to the right.)
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