The psalmist says that it can be “songs in the house of my sojourning” . . . that it is better “than thousands of gold and silver pieces” . . . that it is sweet to the taste, “sweeter than honey to my mouth” . . . that it “is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Ps. 119:54, 72, 103, 105). Oh how I love encountering these metaphors . . . these different word pictures ascribed to the word of God. Each reveals another dimension of this multi-dimensioned “Holy Book” that sits on my desk . . . causing me to reflect anew on some aspect of God’s word . . . to consider afresh a perspective that I should own concerning the whole canon of God-breathed revelation before me. And I encountered another this morning that puts a bit of smile on my lips . . .

“Your testimonies are my heritage forever, for they are the joy of my heart.” (Psalm 119:111 ESV)

While some people might, I don’t think a lot about inheritance . . . whether it’s about getting one or about leaving one . . . at least not about a monetary or material inheritance. Certainly, by God’s grace I would love to leave behind some measure of a spiritual heritage and inheritance, but beyond that, it isn’t something that is much on my radar.

But to consider this morning the word of God as my heritage . . . my inheritance . . . my forever possession provided freely from heaven itself . . . now that’s worth mulling over. To consider its value . . . to consider its longevity (forever is long . . . ) . . . to consider that I have it now . . . to think that I can, in some measure, partner with God to pass it on . . . how can it not be a source of joy to the heart?

It’s not an inheritance in the sense of some heirloom that sits on a shelf to be admired . . . or some sentimental keepsake handed down to be admired from afar. Instead it is living and active . . . relevant yesterday, today and forever . . . to be used just as earnestly now as it has been through out the centuries by those who have also received this inheritance. In it the mind of God is revealed . . . the character of God is known . . . the love of God is declared. It is truth. Truth, not just in some abstract sense, but “rubber-meets-the road” truth . . . life-changing, sanctifying truth (John 17:17). And, I’m reminded by the psalmist, it is mine . . . my heritage . . . my inheritance . . . forever.

Oh what joy to consider God’s gracious provision in conveying the wonders of the kingdom of heaven to those bound by earth. What delight to be reminded that, with the help of the Holy Spirit who will lead me into all truth, I can “partake of the divine nature” through the revelation of His “precious and very great promises” (2Peter 1:3-4).

Mine is a rich heritage . . . mine is an enduring heritage. My heritage is a storeroom of inheritance that can be explored through the entirety of this life and drawn from in the life to come . . . a forever inheritance.

Rejoice O’ heart . . . glory in the riches of God’s word! Let it work it’s perfect work in you as it transforms you through renewal (Rom. 12:2) . . . as it conforms you after the purposes of the Father (Rom. 8:29) . . . as it reveals to you the blessed Source of living water (John 7:38) . . . as it provokes in you a desire to praise and to worship the Author, and Him alone . . . . for His glory . . . amen!