Grandfather’s Will

Bible Reading: Romans 8:16-17; 1 Peter 1:3-5

Mr. Washington, a lawyer, opened a folder and cleared his throat. “The last will and testament of Norman Philip Kinsner,” he read. “I, Norman Philip Kinsner, being of sound mind…”

What a strange thing for Grandpa to say, Emmery thought. She glanced around the lawyer’s office. She missed her grandfather so much. Everyone looked very solemn, and even the children were quiet.

“To each of my grandchildren, I leave $5,000 to be used toward their education,” read the lawyer, and Emmery’s eyes widened. Wow! All that for me? She could hardly believe it. Mr. Washington was still reading. “To my grandson Tanner, I leave…”

And so it went. Grandpa had remembered everyone—and all the children had received something special to help them remember their grandfather.

“Can we go to the farm, Dad?” Emmery asked as they got into the car after saying goodbye to the other family members. “I want to see Princess!” Grandpa had left his horse to her.

Dad nodded. “We’ll do that,” he said. “I want to pick up Grandpa’s Bible. I’m glad he left that for me.” So they headed to the farm, where Emmery petted her horse while Dad went to get the Bible he had inherited.

Back home, Emmery asked to see the Bible. She carefully leafed through the brittle pages of the old book. “The New Testament of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,” she read aloud. “That’s something like what Mr. Washington said this morning,” she told her mother. “I think he called Grandpa’s will a testament, didn’t he?”

Mom nodded. “That’s right. It’s an important document telling what your grandfather left to each of his family members—what they inherited. The New Testament is an important document too. From it, we learn that those who put their faith in Jesus become members of God’s family. They also have a valuable inheritance—everlasting life with Jesus—waiting for them.”

“And everyone can have it, right?” asked Emmery.

“Right,” said Mom. “Jesus shares His inheritance with all of God’s children. It’s a gift given to anyone who trusts in Him.” • Barbara J. Westberg

How About You?

Are you a child of God with an inheritance in heaven? Each one of us has sinned and does not deserve that rich inheritance, but Jesus died and rose again so we could become part of God’s family. As God’s children, Jesus shares that inheritance with us. It’s a greater treasure than anything you could inherit on earth. Claim your inheritance of eternal life by trusting in Jesus. (To learn more, click the “Good News!” button in the right column of this page.)

Today’s Key Verse:
Romans 8:16-17 We are children of God…heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ. (NKJV)

Today’s Key Thought:

Claim your inheritance