The LORD is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: thou maintainest my lot. Ps. 16:5 I’m continuing my reading in the Psalms. My progress has been enjoyably slow this time. There is so much to contemplate and meditate upon. It’s like every verse has so much to say that it’s hard to pass over what’s being said without further consideration. It’s amazing how the Bible is always so fresh.
I wrote a note at Psalm 16:5 in my Bible back in 12/2/12. My mom had just died that September. (My dad had died back in 2007.) She’s the second person I’ve been in the presence of when they died. I was glad to be there in the hospital when Mom passed, but I also knew finality had arrived.
The word “inheritance” in this Psalm is what caught my attention. The topic of “inheritance” had always been an interesting matter of discussion in our family growing up. More-times-than-not, it saddened my heart to see how much an inheritance was hoped upon in order to gain earthly things after the person died. It’s all so … temporal.
The inheritance discussions always led me to reflect upon I Peter 1:4. It tells me that I have “an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for [me].” Earthly inheritances are a blessing. But knowing that I have an incorruptible inheritance has always brought me far greater comfort and joy. It’s … eternal.
When I look back on my family tree, I’m amazed at the fact that I am even here. Family history is always an interesting topic. It’s fun to learn things and not so much fun when learning other things. As I see it, my coming into existence was truly a long shot at best. But yet, here I am.
As far as I can tell, none of my relatives that were living when I grew up were saved. As far as I can tell, none of my ancestors prior to my birth were saved. Out of all the relatives that I’m aware of none were saved. I’m the only one. That blows my mind.
So, when I came to this verse just a few months after my mom’s death it caused me to do some thinking. Unless something happened unknown to me, both of my parents died unsaved. I don’t know how to handle that. There’s such a finality to it. There’s nothing that can be done about it. It weighs upon me heavier than I imagined it would. I know that is normal, but it is still tough to accept.
My parents were good parents. They were both loving and caring. My dad worked hard all his life almost to the very end. I owe everything to my mom when it comes to how I (Judy and I) reared our kids. I’m so thankful for all she gave to me by way of instructive nurturing and wisdom.
But … why couldn’t I reach them with the Gospel? Why didn’t they want to hear the Gospel? Why wouldn’t they humbly bow the knee and accept Christ? How could they see such a change in me and not want it for themselves? Were their hearts really that hardened by sin? God knows.
I don’t know if it makes sense, but I need to find some meaning in the purpose of my parent’s earthly existence. If it wasn’t for them I wouldn’t be here. And even though they never went to church or touched a Bible, their only son grew up, got saved, went into the ministry, had five kids, and now has grandchildren of his own. My salvation was the directional turning point for my kids, grand-kids, and those that will be coming in the future. I cannot wrap my mind around the purposes and plans of God. But, I’m so glad He is my Father and I am His child.
It’s awe-inspiring to know that God, my God, has had His hand in all of this. His purpose is being carried out. He is glorified in the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction and on the vessels of mercy. (Romans 9:22-23) He is Sovereign.
Knowing I’m not the only person that has parents, relatives or friends that died lost, I hope this blog brings some sort of comfort. What is my hope? I’m resting in the comforting fact that the “the Judge of all the earth [will] do right.” Genesis 18:25
Here’s the note I wrote in my Bible: “Both of my parents died lost, but in giving me birth they gave me the LORD.”
“The LORD is the portion of mine inheritance.”