What It Means To Be A Co-Heir With Messiah: Spiritual Warfare In Modern Times For Messianic Believers
As Messianic Jewish believers, understanding our identity as co-heirs with Messiah brings a profound sense of purpose and privilege in our journey of faith. This role as co-heirs is not only a gift but also a calling to actively participate in God’s Kingdom and in the ongoing spiritual battles of our world. This chapter will explore what it means to be a co-heir with Messiah from a Tanakh perspective, emphasizing both the inheritance we receive and the responsibilities we carry as children of God.
1. The Concept of Inheritance in the Tanakh
The idea of inheritance is woven throughout the Tanakh, where God’s promises of land, blessing, and purpose are passed down through the generations. Israel’s inheritance was not merely physical; it was deeply spiritual. The inheritance represented a covenant relationship, where Israel was chosen to be God’s treasured possession among the nations.
Deuteronomy 7:6 (NASB)
"For you are a holy people to the LORD your God; the LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for His own possession out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth."
Israel’s inheritance was rooted in God’s promise to Abraham. As co-heirs with Messiah, we share in this spiritual heritage, as we too are grafted into the covenant promises of Israel. Through Yeshua, we receive not only salvation but a calling to represent God’s holiness, love, and righteousness in the world.
2. The Inheritance of Messiah
As the promised Messiah, Yeshua embodies the fulfillment of the promises given to Israel. He is the King, the Son of David, and the Anointed One. All authority, honor, and glory have been given to Him by the Father, and through Him, we are invited to share in this inheritance.
Psalm 2:7-8 (NASB)
"I will surely tell of the decree of the LORD: He said to Me, 'You are My Son, today I have begotten You. Ask of Me, and I will surely give the nations as Your inheritance, and the very ends of the earth as Your possession.'"
As the Son, Yeshua has received an inheritance that extends beyond Israel to include all nations. When we understand our position as co-heirs, we recognize that we are not merely bystanders but active participants in Messiah’s mission. This inheritance empowers us to walk in His authority, carry out His purposes, and spread His Kingdom on earth.
3. The Role of a Co-Heir: Responsibility and Privilege
Being a co-heir with Messiah is both an incredible privilege and a great responsibility. Just as the tribes of Israel were given specific roles in the Promised Land, we too have a role to play in the Kingdom. A co-heir shares not only in the blessings but also in the responsibilities of representing God’s will in the world.
Isaiah 61:6 (NASB)
"But you will be called the priests of the LORD; you will be spoken of as ministers of our God. You will eat the wealth of nations, and in their riches, you will boast."
This calling to be priests and ministers reveals our purpose as co-heirs. We are entrusted with carrying God’s message, standing in the gap for others through prayer, and demonstrating His love and truth. As co-heirs, we join Yeshua in His mission to bring redemption, restoration, and hope to a broken world.
4. Access to God’s Presence as Co-Heirs
One of the greatest blessings of being a co-heir is our direct access to God’s presence. In the Tanakh, only the high priest could enter the Holy of Holies once a year. But through Yeshua’s sacrifice, we are invited to draw near to God at any time. This access is part of our inheritance, empowering us to pray boldly, intercede for others, and seek God’s guidance.
Psalm 16:11 (NASB)
"You will make known to me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; in Your right hand there are pleasures forever."
The gift of God’s presence fills us with joy, peace, and wisdom. As co-heirs, we are blessed with the privilege of communing with our Creator and seeking His will. This relationship fuels our strength for spiritual warfare, as we are constantly renewed in His presence.
5. Authority Over Spiritual Forces
Being a co-heir with Messiah also grants us authority over spiritual forces. In the Tanakh, we see examples of God granting authority to His people to overcome enemies and spiritual opposition. Through Yeshua, this authority is extended to all believers, enabling us to resist the enemy and stand firm in faith.
Psalm 91:13 (NASB)
"You will tread upon the lion and cobra, the young lion and the serpent you will trample down."
This promise of authority over spiritual adversaries highlights our inheritance in Yeshua. As co-heirs, we are equipped to confront spiritual forces, to reject lies, and to walk in the truth of God’s Word. Our authority is not a matter of pride but of humbly standing in the power of God, knowing that He is the source of our strength.
6. The Promise of Eternal Life
Another profound aspect of our inheritance as co-heirs is the promise of eternal life. This inheritance goes beyond earthly blessings; it is a promise of eternal fellowship with God. The Tanakh gives glimpses of this hope, a life that transcends death and unites us with God in His eternal Kingdom.
Daniel 12:2-3 (NASB)
"Many of those who sleep in the dust of the ground will awake, these to everlasting life, but the others to disgrace and everlasting contempt. Those who have insight will shine brightly like the brightness of the expanse of heaven, and those who lead the many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever."
Daniel speaks of the resurrection to everlasting life, a promise that we inherit through Yeshua. As co-heirs, we are heirs of this eternal life, and we live with the hope and expectation of resurrection, which gives us strength to endure any trials we face in this life.
7. Standing Firm in Our Inheritance
Being a co-heir means we are called to stand firm in our inheritance, especially when spiritual forces try to make us doubt our identity. As believers, the enemy may attempt to challenge or undermine our faith, but knowing who we are in Yeshua gives us the confidence to resist these attacks.
Isaiah 54:17 (NASB)
"No weapon that is formed against you will prosper; and every tongue that accuses you in judgment you will condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their vindication is from Me," declares the LORD."
This verse from Isaiah reminds us that our heritage includes God’s protection and vindication. As co-heirs, we are secure in our identity and our inheritance, and no weapon or accusation can prevail against us when we are grounded in God’s truth.
8. Living as Co-Heirs with Messiah
Our role as co-heirs with Messiah calls us to live in a way that reflects God’s Kingdom. We are called to love others, to seek justice, and to demonstrate mercy. This inheritance is not only about personal blessing but about bringing God’s values into the world and reflecting His heart to those around us.
Micah 6:8 (NASB)
"He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?"
As co-heirs, we inherit the mission of Messiah: to live out God’s justice, kindness, and humility. This calling invites us to be lights in a dark world, extending God’s love to others, and representing His Kingdom values in all that we do.
Conclusion: Embracing Our Role as Co-Heirs with Messiah
To be a co-heir with Messiah is an invitation to a life of purpose, power, and responsibility. Our inheritance includes God’s promises, His authority, and His eternal life, but it also calls us to actively participate in His Kingdom work. As Messianic believers, we are grafted into God’s covenant with Israel, sharing in the blessings and mission that come with it.
Psalm 37:18 (NASB)
"The LORD knows the days of the blameless, and their inheritance will be forever."
This promise assures us that our inheritance in Yeshua is secure and eternal. Let us walk confidently as co-heirs, embracing both the blessings and the responsibilities that come with this identity. As we live out our role, may we bring honor to God and fulfill the mission of Messiah, standing as witnesses of His love, power, and truth in a world in need of redemption.
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