'I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints..." Ephesians 1:18
As Christians, you and I have an awesome inheritance. In Ephesians, Paul prayed for his friends to understand their spiritual inhertance. Do the "eyes of your heart" need to opened to your spiritual legacy through Jesus Christ. The spiritual relationship Jesus had with His disciples holds true for us as His present day disciples.
Jesus prayed for those who followed Him. Read John 17:6,9 - 12,24, and note the words "them" and "those". Just as He prayed for his disciples, He reveals a glimpse of His concern for us today.
"I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours. All I have is yours, and all you have is mine. And glory has come to me through them. I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name--the name you gave me--so that they may be one as we are one. While I was with them, I protected them and kept them by that name you gave me. None has been lost except the one doomed to destruction so that Scripture would be fulfilled...Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world."
What is our inheritance in these verses?
1. God gave Jesus the disciples who were separated out of the world. We also have been choosen by God and have inherited the position of disciple.
2. Jesus praised His disciples for obeying God's word. He praises God for us today when we are obedient to His word.
3. Jesus protected them as a shepherd protects his flock. Judas was never a sheep and his true character was manifested when he volitionally betrayed Jesus. Jesus takes care of us today as our shepherd.
4. Jesus provided communion and fellowship for the His disciples when He was on earth and it will increase in heaven.
Our goal as His present day disciples is future glorification which includes being with Jesus to have fellowship and communion. What a wonderful inheritance we have in Jesus.
Do I live my daily life with obedience as His disciple?
Do I thank Him for His work in my life?
Do I thank God for the concern Jesus has for me?
Do you? Let's do it now....