by: Johannes Deysel
September holds a special place in the hearts of South Africans as we bid farewell to the heavy blankets and welcome the arrival of spring, marking the beginning of braai season. South Africans are so committed to braai-ing that we set aside an entire day dedicated to the art of grilling meat over coals. National Braai Day is celebrated on 24 September, which officially, is also Heritage Day.
When we think of the word “Heritage,” what does it truly signify? It includes all that one generation leaves to the next, such as traditions, customs, values, reputation, and tangible possessions. Heritage holds not only a national identity, but also a spiritual identity. As believers, it is crucial to understand the concept of heritage within a biblical framework. So, in this blog post, let us embark on a journey into the rich origins of heritage as described in the Bible and how it relates to our spiritual journey.
God’s Promise to Abram
Heritage is such an important a concept to God, that we encounter the first overt mention of heritage in Genesis. God promised Abram that he would become the father of a great nation (Gen 12:1–3). This divine covenant marked the establishment of a new people, Abram’s heritage. Notably, God also promised a specific land as a heritage for Abram’s descendants (Gen 17:8; Exod 6:8; Jer 12:14). This promise highlights the idea that heritage is not limited to intangible concepts but can include physical territory.
The Israelites in Egypt
The journey of heritage continues with Abram’s grandson, Jacob, also known as Israel, who moved his family to Egypt due to famine (Gen 45:9–47). They stayed in Egypt for four hundred years but never lost their heritage as Israelites. This historical account highlights the enduring nature of heritage even when living in foreign lands. As believers, we can draw parallels between the Israelites’ experience and our own spiritual journey, where we may find ourselves in unfamiliar environments but must hold fast to our faith.
Passing Down Heritage
Proverbs 13:22a reminds us that “a good man leaves an inheritance to his grandchildren…” (CSB). The Old Testament provides us with many examples of fathers passing down their heritage to their children. We see that Abraham’s heritage was passed down to his son Isaac and grandson Jacob. Jacob, on his deathbed, blessed his twelve sons, further emphasising the significance of heritage within families (Gen 49).
Birthright and the Value of Heritage
Within the biblical narrative, a unique and spiritually significant heritage known as the birthright was handed down to the firstborn son in a family. The birthright held profound spiritual importance. However, we see that Esau’s actions, as depicted in his exchange of the birthright for a mere bowl of stew, clearly illustrate how one’s perception of heritage can lead to dire choices. Esau’s account (Gen 25:29–34; 27) serves as a heartbreaking illustration of an individual who made a profound misjudgement concerning his spiritual heritage. In a moment of impulsivity and weakness, Esau relinquished his birthright, which carried substantial spiritual blessings and responsibilities, in exchange for a simple meal. This impulsive decision glaringly revealed his disregard for his spiritual heritage and the divine promises intricately woven into it.
Children as a Heritage
Psalm 127:3 is a powerhouse verse which beautifully declares that “children are a heritage from the Lord.” This verse reminds us that God entrusts parents (and parent figures) with the responsibility of raising and training their children in faith (Ps 139:13–16; Deut 6:1–9). Just as we cherish heirlooms passed down from our forefathers, we should also treasure the children God has entrusted to us as a precious part of our heritage.
The Heritage of God’s Word
As believers, those of us who walk in righteousness and devotion, discover our true sufficiency in God alone. Our hearts resonate with the profound truth that God’s Word serves as our everlasting heritage, as beautifully declared in Psalm 119:111: “Your statutes are my heritage forever; they are the joy of my heart.” (NIV).
The Eternal Heritage of Christians
As Christians, our heritage is ultimately rooted in our faith in Christ. Romans 8:17 teaches us that through faith, we become joint heirs with Christ. Our heritage as Christians includes the promise of eternal life (John 3:16–18), heavenly rewards (Rev 22:12), and citizenship in heaven (Phil 3:20). God, our great Benefactor, provided His Son for our salvation, allowing us the opportunity to invest our lives for His glory and receive an inheritance from Him (2 Cor 5:21).
Conclusion
Our heritage, both earthly and spiritual, plays a significant role in our lives as believers and followers of Christ. While earthly heritage may enrich our lives temporarily, the Bible encourages us to set our sights on an eternal heritage (Matt 6:19; Col 3:1–4). As temporary residents in this world, we can invest our lives in service to God, knowing that our ultimate inheritance is “kept in heaven for us” (1 Pet 1:4). Understanding and embracing our spiritual heritage can deepen our faith and guide us on our spiritual journey.
PS. There is nothing wrong with a nice “chop” on the braai – enjoy the 24th.