Who is it who chooses our portion and reward in life? Surely it can be perceived that we do not simply will and receive that which we always want. No, our eternal heritage does not rest in our own power or choice, but rather lies in the sovereign will of our good and gracious Lord. Spurgeon remarks, “Oh! it is the satisfaction of God’s people to believe in this exalting truth that [God] chooses their inheritance for them. […] that verily God does choose our lot, and apportion for us our inheritance.”
This truth ought to bring tremendous joy to our lives as we realize that all who are in Christ will receive God’s promised eternal inheritance as their reward. We are all inclined toward evil, and it is only by the grace and mercy of God that we will receive the blessing of eternal life in communion with our Savior. Left to ourselves, we would never choose that which is perfect, holy, nor completely good. Spurgeon points out, “For by [our] nature we are all inclined to follow the way which leads downwards, we are naturally willing to walk the road which leads to the pit—we do not seek the pit itself, but the road that leads to it.” He further argues that the Lord’s sovereign choice of our inheritance is not merely a fact, but an exceedingly wise prayer. Asking for the Lord’s will regarding our reward helps loosen our grasp on the things we often suppose we need. The reality of God’s grace and goodness should further encourage the believer since their heavenly Father is the one apportioning their reward, and His ways are perfect.
Excerpt:
I. First, then, I shall speak of this as being A GLORIOUS FACT. It is a great truth that God does choose the inheritance for his people. It is a very high honor conferred upon God’s servants, that it is said of them, “He shall choose their inheritance.” As for the worldling, God gives him anything, but for the Christian, God selects the best portion, and chooses his inheritance for him. Says a good divine, “It is one of the greatest glories of the Church of Christ, that our mighty Maker, and our Friend, always chooses our inheritance for us.” He gives the worldling husks; but he stops to find out the sweet fruits for his people. He gathers out the fruits from among the leaves, that his people might have the best food, and enjoy the richest pleasures. Oh! it is the satisfaction of God’s people to believe in this exalting truth that he chooses their inheritance for them. But, since there are many who dispute it, allow me just to stir up your minds by way of remembrance, by mentioning certain facts which will lead you to see clearly that verily God does choose our lot, and apportion for us our inheritance.
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