And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.  –  Romans 8:17

Read:  John 1:1-14; Romans 8: 14-20

Praise God the story did not end with Adam’s sin and consequent pain, struggle and poverty.  The truth is God never stopped desiring sons and heirs to His wealth.  Before Jesus died, the Devil constantly accused us before the Father saying, “They sinned!  Man deserves nothing but pain, suffering, and poverty!”  And you know what? The Devil was right. To redeem this terrible situation, God sent His son Jesus to pay the penalty for our sins.  Jesus died, and shed his blood; this was the exact payment needed to release us from the consequences of our sins. This payment was called redemption. So on the cross, Jesus cried, “It is finished.” What was finished? The sins; the need for punishment; pain; struggle and poverty. Hallelujah, the reason for poverty had been taken care of and we could now walk in the new life of peace, ease, and prosperity. So it was as though man never sinned; God could now have sons; His original plan for our joy, peace, prosperity and wealth was back on track! So, as many as received Jesus were given the right to become sons of God. And if they were sons, then they were heirs and joint-heirs with Jesus. In the original Greek joint-heirs (Romans 8:17) means, “a personal equality based on an equality of possession.” Therefore we have a right to everything Jesus has a right to; including unquantifiable wealth, hallelujah! How amazing! If you have not dedicated your life to Jesus, this is a good time to do that.  If you have, rejoice and start to say over and over to yourself, through out this week, “God loves me as He loves Jesus. I am an heir; I have equal rights with Jesus!”