. . . having been justified by His grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. This is a trustworthy saying. . . . Titus 3:7b-8a

Indra Tamang is a fortunate man.

Born in Nepal, Tamang was raised in a mud hut.

But, as I say, Tamang is a fortunate man. After he came to America, Tamang served as a butler, cook, and caretaker for Ruth Ford and Zachary Scott, relatively famous actors in the 50s.

Tamang served the family faithfully for over 30 years. His faithfulness did not go unnoticed.

When Ford died last year at the age of 98, she left the family fortune to Tamang. That included some art done by Russian surrealists, two apartments at New York's exclusive Dakota facility, and a couple of million dollars.

Grand total of Tamang's inheritance is more than $8 million.

As I said, Indra Tamang is a fortunate man.

Of course, those who are redeemed by the Christ are far more blessed than Tamang. The book of Titus is quite right when it says those who are justified by the grace of the Christ have become heirs of eternal life.

What does that mean? It means that while Tamang has some money, that money's usefulness has some definite limitations. It can be lost, it can be spent, and Tamang will die someday.

On the other hand, we who have been forgiven by the Savior's life, suffering, death, and resurrection have been adopted into the family of faith. There we are given gifts which will last beyond the end of time.

But there's more. We who are justified by Jesus will spend eternity in a place where there is no sickness, sorrow, sadness, tears, or pain. Even if Tamang's fortune were ten thousand times larger than it is, he would not be given such assurances.

All of this is the Lord's reminder that we are, because of Jesus, most fortunate men and women.

And that also is a trustworthy saying.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, because of what Jesus has done, the sacrifices He has made, the debts He has paid, I am Your child. May I always be grateful for my adoption into the family of faith. May I be empowered to live as Your grateful child. This I ask in Jesus' Name. Amen.

In Christ I remain His servant and yours,

Today's Bible Readings: Psalms 39-41    John 12:27-50

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