“Our Rich Inheritance” (Psalm 16)

Psalm 16

Listen to Sermon

Pastor Tom Johnson, November 18, 2018

Our Scripture from Psalm 16 emerged as an excellent theme for this year’s stewardship focus: “O Lord, you are my portion and my cup; it is you who uphold my lot. My boundaries enclose a pleasant land; indeed, I have a rich inheritance.” An inheritance is whatever we receive from those who come before us. An inheritance is passed from parents to children one generation to another generation. Often it is death that releases a possession to be given to next person in line. For the Psalm writer and the people of God in the Old Testament, it primarily referred to land.

God promised them an inheritance when God called Abraham. That inheritance was the land of Canaan. God shows Moses how they are to divide up the land between the different tribes of Israel. When Joshua enters the land, they divide up the land by casting lots—kind of like rolling dice or flipping a coin for who got what particular plot of land. Our Psalm says “My boundaries enclose a pleasant land.” Or as it says in other translations, “The lines have fallen for me in excellent places.” They saw the land as a gift. Even though it was by lottery or seemingly random. A Jewish scholar says, “One must have the humility and clarity of vision to recognize that their portion in life is allotted to them by God. Those abilities and powerful forces which seem to be the determining factors of life are merely the tools of the Creator who guides them.” Or as the proverb states it, “The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord” (Prov 16:33). In other words, God wants us to be content, appreciative, and grateful to him for all our gifts.

Our portion in life is no accident. “It is God who is at work in you to will and to do his good purpose” (Phillip 2:13). In Ephesians (1:18), Paul says he prays that the church would have their eyes enlightened, “that [we] will know what is the hope to which he has called [us], what are the riches of [our] glorious inheritance.” If we have a sense of entitlement we do not understand our inheritance. If we assume our privilege we do not understand God’s purpose. If we lack gratitude for what we have been given and entrusted with, our eyes and hearts are darkened.

We have a rich inheritance in Christ. God created the universe—this terrestrial ball that we call home rich with life and resources. He has placed us in this continent, nation, state, and city. Generations have come before us to secure our lots. God has blessed us with family, friends, education, and employment. We have worked for what we have. But we are also standing on the shoulders of those who have come before us.

This past week, Marvel Comic creator Stan Lee died. One of his famous lines from the Spider-Man comics and movie is, “With great power comes great responsibility.” Or, as Jesus said 2000 years before, “To whom much has been given, much is required” (Luke 12:48). We have been gifted with much.

Later on during our meal, we will dedicate a plaque in memory of Margit Borgel who generously gave to our community meals ministry. From her apartment window, she could guests lining up for a meal every Saturday. She saw the rich inheritance of our ministry. And that prompted her to invest in that inheritance.

It is not just about the inheritance we receive. It is also about the inheritance that we pass on. That is what stewardship is all about. It is being thankful for all the gifts God has given us. It is putting those gifts to use. It is investing our time, talent, and treasure so that those who come after us will also be blessed through us.

Our inheritance is right here on the corner of LaSalle and Goethe—this small portion of land—some of which was taken away! Our inheritance is the building. When we repair the roof we are simply being good stewards and taking care of what those who have come before us have built. Our rich inheritance is each other and all the gifts that we bring to one another to build each other up. Our rich inheritance is the communities we serve. Our rich inheritance is the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Our rich inheritance is the good news of Jesus. He brings the treasure of his kingdom from heaven to earth. He said, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. ...Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven.” Our rich inheritance is the relationship we have with each other and with God. We as God’s people are God’s inheritance. God is our inheritance. Our Scripture says, “O Lord, you are my portion and my cup; it is you who uphold my lot.” God promises to uphold, preserve, and strengthen our inheritance.Our rich inheritance is the forgiveness of sins and eternal life we have received as a free gift from God through Jesus who invested his life in us. He gave his life to us on the cross and rose again to purchase a place for us in his eternal Kingdom.

Great thy goodness e’er enduring;
deep thy wisdom, passing thought;
splendor, light and life attend thee,
beauty springing out of nought.
Evermore from God’s store
newborn worlds rise and adore.
          ("All My Hope on God Is Founded," WOV 782, v. 3)