11 In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, 12 so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. 13 In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.
We have an inheritance. I don't know whether you've ever had part in an inheritance from a parent or another loved one. Some people live to wait for it. But for most of us, it comes along as unexpected, something we weren't really counting on, and especially something we never worked for. It was just a gift. Jesus talked about the things He would leave his followers in the upper room, including peace and the Holy Spirit, mentioned also here. But there is something even more astounding Paul talks about: that we would be "to the praise of His glory." God, in Christ, has made us a part of God's plan and purpose. It's like when someone dies, the will is read, and a person finds out they have been left in charge of a family business, or cherished endeavor or charitable organization; they have been trusted to carry on the work. That privilege far outweighs and financial or material possession one could receive. Such it is with this inheritance we have. We still have not seen all it will become, but we know God is up to something big, and He has chosen us to be a part of it. Nothing can beat the thrill of going along for the ride.
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