Your Children's Inheritance
Gen 49:1 Then Jacob called together all his sons and said, "Gather around me, and I will tell you what will happen to each of you in the days to com."
Inheritance was the gift of honor and support given by a patriarch to his sons (and sometimes daughters). It was meant for the provision and status of the family. Most of the occurrences of inheritance in the first half of the Old Testament refer to God bestowing the Promised Land on the Israelites—the Heavenly Father providing for His sons and daughters. Because the land was given by God to the individual families, the people were not allowed to dispose of their land permanently. The Bible laid out specific guidelines for inheriting family property: the eldest son was to inherit a double portion; if there were no sons, daughters were allowed to inherit their father’s land. At no time could the land pass to another tribe. The point of passing on the land was to ensure the extended family had a means of support and survival. Inheritance was assumed, and only Proverbs 13:22 speaks of it as a particular virtue.
Prov.13:22 Good people leave an inheritance to their grandchildren, but the sinner's wealth passes to the godly.
The New Testament does not speak of a physical inheritance but rather a spiritual inheritance. In fact,Jesus downplays the importance of an earthly inheritance, explaining that it can lead to greed and an obsession with wealth. It is far better to store up treasures in heaven. Our inheritance, like the Israelites’, is from God. And, like Abraham, we will not receive our inheritance in this lifetime. What is this inheritance?James 2:5says it’s the kingdom of God.First Corinthians 2:9says it is so wonderful, that "eye has not seen and ear has not heard, and which have not entered the heart of man, all that God has prepared for those who love Him."
As believers, we are not bound to the Old Testament Law. Instead, we are to follow the two greatest commandments—love God and love others. The Old Testament offers practical examples as to how to fulfill the greatest commandments.In regards to inheritance, it’s the example of parents ensuring their family is cared for after their death. In modern times, this doesn’t necessarily mean land, or even material possessions. It can include imparting a good character, ensuring children have an education, or training them in a profession. But, when most people think of parents leaving an inheritance for their children, it is in regards to material possessions. The Bible definitely supports the idea of parents leaving their material possessions/wealth/property to their children. At the same time, parents should not feel obligated to save up everything for their children’s inheritance, neglecting themselves in the process. It should never be a matter of guilt or obligation. Rather, it should be an act of love, a final way of expressing your love and appreciation to children. Most important, however, is the parents’ responsibility to make sure children are aware of the inheritance they will receive if they follow Christ. Parents are to teach their children about God’s expectationsand bring their children to Christ.In this way, parents can provide for their children in the greatest way possible.
