Co-heirs With Jesus

Written by:Pastor Jim Lennon

After the Japanese surrendered, officially ending World War II, a special ceremony was organized for the signing of surrender documents by the Japanese, and designated representatives of allied nations on September 2, 1945.

General Douglas MacArthur officiated the ceremony aboard the USS Missouri, and was the last to sign on behalf of the United States.

MacArthur took his Parker fountain pen and simply signed his first name, “Douglas.”  He then passed the pen to General Wainwright, who signed it “Mac.”  MacArthur then handed the pen to General Percival, who signed it “Arthur.”

This unusual procedure was MacArthur’s way of honoring the two U.S. generals who had suffered severe torture as prisoners of war.  They had persevered, and now they were allowed by their commanding general to share in the glory of victory.

In the same way, Paul describes those who persevere as followers of Christ as “Co-heirs” with Christ.  Those who share in the sufferings of Christ, will also share in His glory.

The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God,

and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him.

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.   (Romans 8:16-18)

Pastor Jim Lennon