The best inheritance

They may not have been adopted by any legislature, but the “Toddler Property Laws” are just as real, nonetheless.

• If I like it, it’s mine.
• If it’s in my hand, it’s mine.
• If I can take it from you, it’s mine.
• If I had it a little while ago, it’s mine.
• If it is mine, it must never appear to be yours in any way.
• If I’m doing or building something, all the pieces are mine.
• If it looks just like mine, it’s mine.
• If I have ever thought about it, it’s mine.

If you have — or have had — toddlers, you might appreciate that humorous look at the rules of possession for early childhood years.  And yet, these also strike a chord in adults.  For, in this culture at this time, possessions and the “I wannas” dominate public and private thinking.

That’s why Joshua 13:33 is so contrary to the contemporary mindset.

But to the tribe of Levi, Moses did not give an inheritance; the LORD, the God of Israel, is their inheritance, as He had promised to them.

After Joshua had led Israel’s conquest of Canaan and the land had been divided, the Levites were left with — nothing.  (Remember also that this “loss” was repeatedly promised to them in Numbers while they wandered the wilderness.)  Or were they?  It may seem that way in the 20th century.  It probably did not to the Israelites in 1400 B.C.  They may have received no land, but that was of no concern — ownership of acreage tends to fluctuate over time.  The one estate that can be left to a man and never removed is a relationship with God.

With the simple words, “the Lord, the God of Israel, is their inheritance” the Levites were made wealthiest among all the tribes.  As Tozer has said, “The man who has God for his treasure has all things in One.…Whatever he may lose he has actually lost nothing for he now has it all in One, and he has it purely, legitimately and forever.”

The inheritance for the believer in Jesus Christ is similar.  He has what may never be taken away.  He has forgiveness.  And the Holy Spirit.  And eternal redemption.  And reconciliation to God.  And every spiritual blessing in the heavenlies.  And access to the throne of God.  And he is called the son of God.  His earthly possessions may be few, but his eternal inheritance is great.

Whatever else God may give a man, it cannot compare to the fact that he is an heir of God.