The word ‘heritage’ refers to a cherished property or inheritance, having special architectural, historical or natural qualities and values. It reveals the sense of history, personality, importance, authority and worth of a people or nation. It is therefore not surprising that God commanded the Israelite's to document historical events, covenants, laws and commandments that form their heritage, in order to preserve them forever (Exodus 17:14, Exodus 34:27, Deuteronomy 11:20). God and His kingdom also have a heritage. The people of God in all generations are the heritage of God (Psalm 94:5). The Bible therefore refers to the Israelites, the Church of Christ and little children as God’s heritage (Joel 3:2, 1st Peter 5:3, and Psalm 127:3). Since a heritage refers to assets of monumental value, the Lord’s heritage is therefore something very precious, to be protected and watched over with all diligence. This should give you an idea of your worth to God as a Christian.

In the beginning God created us in His own image and for His pleasure, but man later fell from grace and became a slave to sin. In His mercy, God approached the slave market and repurchased us by offering the precious Blood of His Son, Jesus, as ransom for us. By this heavy investment, God has secured a double claim of ownership over us: as the beautiful work of His hands, and as His adopted children, bought with the precious Blood of Jesus. Little wonder the Holy Spirit in 1st Peter 2:9 describes those in Christ in these terms:
“But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praise of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light.”
All of mankind have the opportunity of becoming God’s children through faith in Jesus Christ, who came into this world to redeem us from sin and Satan over two thousand years ago. As you celebrate His birth this season, remember what He came to do and do not let it go to waste in your life. Jesus came to manifest the nature of God and demonstrate His character to us, so that through His example we can imitate the ways of our heavenly Father in our daily lives. Those who live their lives in this manner, under the saving grace and lordship of Jesus Christ, are those considered to be God’s heritage. Just as human beings spare no expense to preserve their heritage, God can go to any length to preserve those that are His heritage. Are you part of God’s heritage?
Written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye.