Of Kings and Heirs

My sisters and I were mesmerised by the Korean drama Dong Yi for the last two months or so. Not content with the snail pace of the free-to-air TV screening, we took to watching the DVD of the drama. Cliff-hangers in episode after episode kept us glued to the drama for two to three hours at a stretch. We marvelled at the ingenuity of the script writers in weaving the plots and counter-plots in the web of palace intrigue.

The drama chronicled the ascent of a servant girl, Dong Yi, to one of the highest ranks as the king's consort. Perceived as a threat to the crown prince, Dong Yi's young son was caught in the politics of rival factions in the royal court and his life was nearly snuffed out. The court politics was such that only either the crown prince or Dong Yi's son may survive in order to secure the succession to the throne. Happily, the drama ended with both sons of the king being protected, with one succeeding the other as king.

In earthly kingdoms, it is often the king's first-born who is designated as the heir and crown successor. In the kingdom of God, all who are born-again in Christ are the children of God, and God's children are "heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ" (Romans 8:17). As heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, what then is the inheritance that we can expect?

* We wait for the redemption (resurrection) of our bodies (Romans 8:23). What is this resurrection body like? It will be imperishable and raised in glory as a spiritual body (1 Cor 15:42-44) and we will bear the likeness of Christ (1 Cor 15:49, Phil 3:21).

* When God raises us up with Christ, he seats us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus (Eph 2:6). Just as the Laodiceans who are overcomers receive the right to sit with Christ on His throne (Rev 3: 21), we too may share in the glory with Christ.

* Being saved by Christ, we become heirs with the hope of eternal life (Titus 3:4-7).

Meanwhile, our earthly life is not necessarily a bed of roses, with prosperity assured. We share in the sufferings of Christ in order that we also share in His glory (Romans 8:17). But take heart - the Apostle Paul considers that "our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us" (Romans 8:18). Indeed, our troubles are "light and momentary" and the ensuing eternal glory far outweighs whatever troubles we may have (2 Cor 4:17).

In the words of Jesus:
"In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)

Just as Jesus has overcome the world, so will we.

"So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." (2 Cor 4:18)