Narrative Lectionary Key Verse for Today
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places.”
NL Daily Devotion for Sunday, July 11, 2021
by Dr. Kimberly Leetch, Clergy Stuff
Main Idea: We have been given an inheritance—and a responsibility—as beloved children of God.
Who doesn’t want an abundant inheritance? The very word rings of money, security, and pleasure. It’s money we didn’t earn (acknowledging, of course, it usually comes with the loss of a loved one) and wasn’t counting on, so we can spend it any way we want.
But there’s another aspect to an inheritance we don’t often consider—the responsibility that goes with it. Money inherited might be easy to spend. But what about inheriting a family business? Sure, there’s money to be had, but inheriting a business comes with a whole set of unexpected responsibilities. In addition to the day-to-day operation of a business, there’s also the consideration of the employees who count on the income and the community that counts on the service or goods provided. With it also comes the implied responsibility to maintain the inheritance so it can be passed on to the next generations.
Obtaining an inheritance in Christ is more like inheriting a family business than a windfall of cash. There are responsibilities that come with such an inheritance. We, as adopted children of God, have inherited the family business. We are therefore called to pass on the legacy, to carry out the mission and ministry of Christ. We are now to help, teach, heal, serve, praise, and love. It is on us to spread the word so that future generations can also receive the inheritance, too.
![1 Kings 17:1-16 [17-24], God’s Care for the Widow](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56b39b61ab48de92d991a40a/bf37035e-33d5-439f-a0d6-a68b02d0f1bc/24-11-03.jpg)
