And you also are among those Gentiles who are called to belong to Jesus Christ. (Rom. 1:6)
In the South, the phrase “when my rich uncle dies” generally refers to the fact that you have no money or resources to acquire something of great value. So to bring levity to the situation and relieve any potential stress, one would say, “Yeah, I’ll buy that when my rich uncle dies.” Wouldn’t we all love to have a rich uncle who secretly included us in his will? And wouldn’t we be thrilled to receive a call notifying us of our inheritance?
Sometimes we can get caught up in that dream even though we know it will, more than likely, never come true. But what if a far better inheritance has already been offered to us? In Romans 1, Paul brought good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ to the Gentile world (those who are outside the Jewish faith). Paul announced that all who believe are welcome to the goodness and grace of God the Father.
In that moment, we were grafted into the inheritance of the people of God. Songwriter Stuart Townend penned a profound verse to reflect upon: “Why should I gain from His reward? / I cannot give an answer / But this I know with all my heart / His wounds have paid my ransom.” That’s a gift far greater than any “rich uncle” can leave us.
Praise God for being called to be among his holy people.
Scott Simmons serves as lead pastor of Kernersville Wesleyan Church (NC). He previously served The Wesleyan Church as director of youth ministries.
© 2021 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
