Ephesians 1:11
“In Him we also have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things in accordancewith the plan of His will”
The beginning of Ephesians is such a rich section of scripture. As I read it, I feel like the meaning is much deeper than my comprehension. A couple of times in this section there is a reference to an inheritance. Curious about a deeper meaning I went to the commentaries. MacClaren spent much time there with verse 11.
Much of this mornings entry is what I've learned from him. For example, he says the English Revised Version is a better interpretation of the verse, "in whom also we were made a heritage, having been foreordained according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his will". This is saying we are the Lord's inheritance. Verse 14 refers to our inheritance. His point is that we are one another's inheritance, God's and our's.
This was news to me. I thought we were the only heirs. God is also an heir. Deuteronomy 4:20 elaborates on that. "Yet the LORD has taken you and brought you out of the iron furnace, out of Egypt, to be the people of His inheritance, as you are today." The Pulpit Commentary says, ". It is implied that God will protect, care for, improve, and enjoy his own inheritance; he will be much with them and do all that is necessary for them. Formerly God's inheritance was Israel only; but now it is much wider. All that God was to Israel of old he will be to his Church now."
We are God's inheritance. This is surprising. Even when in a sinful state He wanted us. It's clearly not equal. We get much, while He gets the trash put out on the street. Equality, justice and fairness is a big deal to our culture. This shows how much He values us. It demonstrates how much He loves us. He is by far the bigger person. He wants us to be the bigger person with others.
This mutual inheritance means mutual love. It's clear He loves us. He works His love in us, so we become a reflection of Him. He takes selfish individuals who once hated and were capable of vengance and sin and works His love in us. In time we emit the "fragrance of Christ". We become loving, patient and forgiving. We become His juniors who are like Him. The great love chapter, I Corinthians 13, describes love, it's patient, kind, it's not proud, it's not arrogant, it honors others, it protects and so on. God wants to work this love in us. Talk about reform. It's like a junkie becoming a respectable, reliable individual. No one would have believed it. You are amazing, God.
Another aspect of inheritance is mutual surrender. God did so by Jesus, the Son, laying aside His glory and becoming a man and living a selfless life and dying for us. Our surrender comes as we bow to His lordship. This is why many don't come to Christ, they enjoy their control. The problem is we get into all sorts of trouble by our choices. We sin and become the slaves of sin. Yet, we witness the great love God has for us, we bow our wills out of gratitude. We aren't prisoners who must bow, but sons and daughters who choose to bow.
The surprising result of our submission is His reward. He blesses us. God is all knowing and all wise. His plans are the best. Our lives begin to go the right direction. Our efficiency works at it's maximum capacity. Our personality gifts get realized and function as they were made to. While it appears we were the givers, God out gives us by blessing us.
This mutual heir state brings about a mutual indwelling. John 15:5 says, "I am the vine and you are the branches. If you remain in Me, and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing." The Holy God want to live within us. He wants to be with us. We have much insecurity with ourselves. Do people like us? God certainly does. He loves us. His indwelling brings His peace and joy. He gives us a new appetite, to thirst after Him. Romans 8 says, His Spirit bears witness with our spirit, that we are children of God. We cry out, 'Abba, Father.'
We dwell in Him, the Vine. We get to. He's the best and the most loving. The most interesting, and so on. We get to plug into Him. We go deeper, as we read His Word, pray and rely on Him. He blesses this. He gives us wisdom and guidance. It's an amazing life.
This is just scratching the surface of this mutual heir state. Lord, You done so much for us. We are mutual heirs. The mutual love, mutual surrender and mutual indwelling. All parties gain. While clearly not equal, You don't mind. Thank You for all You've done. Thank You, God.