Nowadays it’s not uncommon for a person to select a home based on property values. The land will appreciate in worth so that the owner can sell or refinance the property and gain a profit. This is only possible in our modern, financialized world. Land had value in the ancient world based on what you could get out of it; access to water, arable farmland, minerals or metals or perhaps ease of travel.

Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,
    for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
    great is your faithfulness.
I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion;
    therefore I will wait for him.”

Lamentations 3:22-24

The prophet calls the Lord his portion, his land afforded to him by birthright, echoing a sentiment seen often in the Psalms. What a remarkable statement! What could we trade to get a higher value than the Lord? Nothing, certainly.

So, do we hold to our claim on the Lord, or are we trading it in hoping to move up to a better neighborhood? If it’s the latter, we will surely be disappointed.

Ethan Kirl