Marie’s daily verse: You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word. PSALM 119:114

DAILY DEVOTION, November 29, 2022

 And giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light (Colossians 1:12).

Paul spends much of the first chapter in Colossians encouraging the congregation. We note in the above verse that believers have been qualified. We do not qualify ourselves to enter God’s kingdom of light. We have been qualified by another, even Jesus Christ our Lord. Thus, we thank the Father who arranged for our salvation by sending His Son into the world to redeem us. Those who trust in Him are qualified to live in heaven forever.

Why does Paul refer to the Colossian Christians as “holy people.” Were they not sinners like us? Yes, but when we trust in Jesus, our sins are forgiven, and, as Paul said elsewhere, Christ’s righteousness is credited to us. In this manner, we become holy people.

The kingdom of light (heaven) is also described as our inheritance. Again, we do not earn a place in heaven by our good works. We receive eternal life as an inheritance. If you are in the will of a wealthy person, you look forward to the legacy you will receive. God has decreed that all who believe in His Son will receive a glorious inheritance. It is truly wonderful to know that God loves us so much. He has done everything necessary to secure a place for us in His kingdom. Sometimes I wonder why Christian’s fear death so much. What we will receive in the future is much better than what we experience during earthly life.

Father, I thank You for the grand inheritance purchased for me by Jesus. I can hardly imagine what heaven will be like, but you have given us glimpses to assure us that heaven will be far better than life on this sin-scared earth. Thank You so much for Your redeeming love. I pray in the name of my Savior, Amen.