Giving thanks to the Father

This morning, I was reflecting on a line in Colossians 1:12 where Paul writes about how he prays for his fellow Christians. I couldn't help but be thankful for the one line which reads "giving thanks for the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light."

The Father qualifies us (NASB).

My place in God's eternal plan for His people is not based on my own qualifications. He has qualified me. It is a gift given at His expense. It is a work accomplished by His doing. It is a provision granted by His grace.

Verse 13 and 14 tell us how God qualifies us:

i. "For He rescued us from the dominion of darkness..."
ii. "And (He) transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son..."
- "in whom we have redemption"
- "the forgiveness of sins"

He qualifies us by rescuing us and helicoptering us into the Kingdom of His Son who has paid for our forgiveness through His sacrificial death on the cross.

What a relief. God's qualifying keeps us from the performance oriented religiosity that is so dreadfully wearying and continually guilt producing. Jesus has qualified us by removing our guilt and stain and that makes our life one of joy-filled gratitude rather than constant wondering how its going to be when God finally posts my marks.

I am grateful that God provides the qualifications I need to share in the realm of His Son. This new life is all a gift opened up to me by His love and mercy. Thank God that you are qualified to share in this inheritance simply by trusting in Jesus.

MariAnne's Webpage

My wife, MariAnne, is writing a book teaching English as a Second Language and the Bible together using art and photography. She has a website for this book as it is developing. It is coming together well and here is the webpage if you want to take a look. There are some neat contributors from here and around the world.
www.bibleandenglish.com