A note from our Pastor:

“Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:”

Colossians 1:12

Good Morning Dearly Beloved,

The writings of the Apostle Paul are often marked by long, ongoing sentences. The portion of Colossians 1 where our study verse falls is a prime example of this style of writing. This sentence, with all of its clauses, starts in verse 9 and continues to verse 17. Thus, our study verse this week falls right in the middle of this prayer.

The Apostle begins this clause reminding the disciple to give thanks to God the Father. This is a worthy instruction no matter the context. It would also be true if it were backward-looking. If the Apostle was saying, give thanks for the knowledge you have, the ability to do good works, and the strength to face trials it would be a worthwhile instruction. But in this instance, the instruction to give thanks is a lead-in, or an introduction, of a new thought.

The thought begins with a phrase that is not common in our speech today. “Made us meet” in this sense means made us able or made us qualified. In using this phrase, the Apostle is referring directly to the foreknowledge and saving work of the Godhead. The work of God, for his children, has made them able or qualified to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints. In the first chapter of Ephesians, the Apostle describes it as being the elect being adopted into the family of God.

The inheritance of the saints is their lot or place. In the Old Testament with natural Israel, the lot given to them was Canaan. It was secured by God and set aside to be a blessing for his natural people. In the New Testament age, Israel is not a physical nation and, thus, the inheritance is not a physical place. The people of God, the kingdom of God, is now spiritual. Thus, the inheritance is a spiritual place.

In the last words, the Apostle describes that physical place as a place of light. Often, in scripture, sin and depravity are described as a place of darkness. It is a place that lacks understanding and is devoid of hope. But the inheritance of the saints is to dwell in a spiritual place filled with light and marked by the hope of Christ. It is because of this inheritance and the ability to dwell in this place that the Apostle instructs the disciples to thank God.

Our Prayers are with you daily,

Brother Jeremiah