World Changers - The One Year Heaven on Earth Devotional

Read: Isaiah 53

I will give him a portion among the great, and he will divide the spoils with the strong, because he poured out his life unto death. Isaiah 53:12, NIV

IN WORD

Imagine what the inheritance of the Son of God is. Psalm 2 says the whole earth and all the nations are included in His inheritance. Paul referred to heavenly riches, and Peter spoke of an inheritance that will not fade away. What’s really incredible is what else the New Testament writers say about the inheritance of the Son: It is shared with us.

That’s what Isaiah’s prophecy is pointing to. God looks at the obedience of His Son with delight and turns all creation over to Him. Jesus is the heir of the King’s estate, and with an infinite King, the estate is greater than any mind can imagine. The extravagant God is ridiculously wealthy with all kinds of riches, and He wills them all to His Son. His Son, in turn, shares His inheritance with His bride—all who believe in Him. It’s the best deal we ever got.

Did you realize that? The Bible gives us two pictures of eternal inheritance: The Father gives everything to the Son, who shares with His brothers; and the Father endows everything to the Bridegroom, who allows His bride to marry into His wealth. That means that God bestows on us what Jesus deserves from His obedience. And if we think about what Jesus really deserves . . . well, that’s a staggering thought. And the truth is that it’s ours as well as His.

IN DEED

Too many Christians walk through this world convinced that God answers only our small prayers, that His arm has to be twisted to give us what we need, that He’s reluctant to use us to change lives. But God and Scripture shout, “No!” When He promises His Son the nations, He promises us the nations. When He promises His Son the extravagantly life-giving, fruit-bearing Spirit, He promises us the extravagantly life-giving, fruit-bearing Spirit. Faith takes hold of those promises and won’t let go. And those with that kind of faith become history-makers and world changers. To Him—and to us—are given the spoils of His victory.

ADDITIONAL READING: Ephesians 1:18-22

Faith is to believe what you do not yet see. The reward for this faith is to see what you believe.

AUGUSTINE OF HIPPO