A son's inheritance, part 2

Yesterday we discussed the value of sons in God's design. Be sure to read that post before this one.

A son in ancient times had extreme value.

He perpetuated the life of his father. We understand genetics enough to know that a son would carry on many of his father's traits. We get the image of a father perpetuating himself in his son.

In Homer's Odyssey, which provides another glimpse into ancient thinking, nothing had higher honor than a worthy son. God used that ancient understanding to explain his view of his children.

Sons were seen as the strength of their fathers, something seen in Jacob's remark about his first-born son Reuben: “my might and the beginning of my strength” (Gen 49:3)

To sons were given the right to inherit family property and to carry the family name.
Overall, the image of sons in ancient times was of cherished people who grew into their family name and inheritance.

When we think of being "sons" in God's view, we can see ourselves as cherished people who carry his name and his image.

Yesterday we discussed how Paul intended to show that we all sons in God's design. We all are cherished, given his name and promised his inheritance.

There's no second place in God's plan.