Think of it this way. If a father dies and leaves an inheritance for his young children, those children are not much better off than slaves until they grow up, even though they actually own everything their father had. They have to obey their guardians until they reach whatever age their father set. And that’s the way it was with us before Christ came. We were like children; we were slaves to the basic spiritual principles of this world. But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law. God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children. And because we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, “Abba, Father.” Now you are no longer a slave but God’s own child. And since you are his child, God has made you his heir.
Galatians 4:1-7

Dear God, I’m not sure I’ve noticed this inheritance analogy before from Paul. At least, I don’t remember noticing it.

Being an heir to something is interesting. So much of life depends on who your parents happen to be and what their place is in the world. I was talking with a woman yesterday who was born to much less fortunate circumstances than me. Not only economically, but also from a parenting standpoint. She didn’t have parents on which she could depend. They had limitations. She loves them, but she has had to do much more for herself to get where she wanted to go in life than I have had to do.

But one thing your love through Jesus does is it levels the playing field for all of us. In the end, after this short life is over, we get to be your heirs. We get to be your child. I mean, we get to be your child here too, but here is so, so temporary. What comes next is unfathomable, and that’s where we get to be your child.

Father, there is so much I don’t understand, but I am grateful to get to call you, “Father.” You aren’t just “God,” but you are my Father. Jesus, you are my Lord and my God along with the Father. Holy Spirit, you are my God as well, all part of the same God. You comfort and counsel me. I could use some comfort and counsel now. Please help me with the things that are on my heart.

I pray this all in the name of you, my Triune God,

Amen