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.

A son's inheritance

Linda leaned forward over her open Bible and glared at me. "So does this apply to me?"

We were reading from Ephesians where Paul used the metaphor of adoption to explain God's redemption. But the kicker for Linda was that Paul said "Because you are sons...."

As a new believer, Linda detested language which seemed to exclude her. The text appeared to be for men and raised her suspicions that Christianity was a sexist religion that wanted to shut her out.

I hastened to assure her that ancient texts said "son" but really mean "sons and daughters," so she was included. Her feathers smoothed and she settled back for the rest of the lesson.

But I may have been partly wrong in my answer to her. Although I am absolutely convinced that God does not prefer males over females, I have been challenged recently by an observation from Russell D. Moore in his book, Adopted for Life, to look at this text in a different way.

Moore, dean of the School of Theology at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, points out that Paul could have included the Greek word for daughters had he meant to include daughters in his statement. So Paul, by Moore's thinking, said "sons" because he meant "sons."

I have to be honest. As I read Moore's opening statements, my feathers bristled a little bit. But Moore went on. In the ancient culture where Paul wrote, sons and daughters received different inheritances. Had Paul said "sons and daughters," his readers would have assigned different inheritance practices to each.

In other words, they'd have recognized the complete inheritance given to sons while then applying the limited inheritance to the daughters. So, to the ancient reader, God would have given different inheritance to sons and daughters.

They wouldn't have questioned that. In fact, it would have fit their understanding well.

But if Paul intended for them to know that both male and female in Christ got the son's inheritance, they would have understood better the full provision of God's redemption.

The ancients couldn't apply their cultural biases to God. Instead, they could see that God treated all like first-born sons - male and female.

We are all "sons" in God's design.

My plan

Yesterday, I talked about sexism and Sarah Palin's campaign as vice president. Here's my plan of attack:

A Psalm for Sarah:

Intercession for Gov. Sarah Palin according to Psalm 27

Pray for Sarah, husband Todd, sons Track, baby Trig, daughters Bristol, Willow, Piper, from today through November 4.


Pray for:

Singleness of Vision, Moral Clarity

Ps 27:1a - The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear?

Fearlessness, Boldness

Ps 27:1b - The Lord is the defense of my life; Whom shall I dread?

Protection from Libel, Slander, Hatred, Persecution

Ps 27:2 - When [not 'if'] evildoers came upon me to devour my flesh, my
adversaries and my enemies, they stumbled and fell.

Confidence in Christ, a Guarded Heart

Ps 27:3 - Though a host encamp against me, My heart will not fear;
Though war arise against me, in spite of this I shall be confident.

Priorities Devotions, Rest, Balance

Ps 27:4 - One thing I have asked from the Lord, that I shall seek: That I
may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the
beauty of the Lord, and to meditate in His temple.

Deliverance, Favor

Ps 27:5 - For in the day of trouble He will conceal me in His tabernacle; In the secret place of His tent He will hide me; He will lift me up on a rock.

An Overcoming Spirit, a Higher Perspective

Ps 27:6 - And now my head will be lifted up above my enemies around me; And I will offer in His tent sacrifices with shouts of joy. I will sing,
yes, I will sing praises to the Lord.

Direction, Wisdom, Surefootedness

Ps 27:7, 11 - Hear, O Lord, when I cry with my voice, and be gracious to me and answer me. . . . Teach me Thy way, O Lord and lead me in a level path because of my foes.

A Release of Faith, an Expectancy of Good,

Ps 27:13 - I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.

Strength, Courage, Endurance,

Ps 27:14 - Wait for the Lord; Be strong and let your heart take courage.
Yes, wait for the Lord.


And let Your kingdom come and let Your will be done.


(Thanks to Dee for sharing this prayer with me.)

Palin on the scene

I was 23 at the time, a news reporter in search of a report on the Sheriff’s department drug bust last weekend. The sheriff was doing paperwork at his desk when I entered his office.

When he turned to me, a big grin burst over his face.

“I need to get information on that drug arrest,” I told him.

“You bet,” he said. “You ought to come on over here and sit on my lap while I tell you all about it.”

This was a long time ago, in a small town, and the idea of filing sexual harassment charges was not even on the radar. I simply stood my ground and repeated my request.

In most of my jobs, I have worked with men and enjoyed it. I have been generally treated honorably, as a team member pulling my own load.

I lived through the militant feminism of the ‘70’s, finding it too angry and extreme for my tastes. I have found much comfort in God’s presence, where I have felt what Paul said: There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. (Gal 3:28)

When I heard women rage against the sexism in this country in recent years, I saw their agenda of power overshadowing any concern for the individual woman.

Until Sarah Palin came on the national scene.

I respect Sarah. She bore a Down’s Syndrome son in an age that often considers a handicapped child too much of an inconvenience to deliver. She has five children, a supportive husband, and a vision to lead. She’s an evangelical with a fresh word and courage to stand up.

And I’m discovering that sexism has reared its ugly head like a snake in a garden. Criticism of her generally centers on her sex and not on her stand. Take a look at this blog to get a fuller picture of how the media and opposition are on the attack.

As a follower of Jesus, I want to live by Gal 3:28.

Tomorrow I’ll talk about what I’m going to do next.