…strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light. For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
Colossians 1:11-14 NAS
Reflection
Greetings prayer partner,
Just a few days have passed since Resurrection Sunday, and we pray that you are still captivated in the awe of all that we just celebrated realizing that we get to live in the LIGHT every day because Jesus rescued us, redeemed us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us from the fires of hell to the glory of the Father. Selah! Take another moment to let that soak in and say, “Thank You, Jesus!”
We will spend the next several weeks discussing what it looks like and means to live in the Light of Jesus and be the light He has called us to be. For this week, we want our hearts to linger in the reality of the resurrection and our response to this glorious assurance.
In our Scripture above, Paul reminds us that our first response is to joyously give thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the Heavenly inheritance instead of the torturous fire of hell that our sin qualified us for. “Qualified” is the Greek word “Hikanoo” and it means, “to make sufficient, render fit.” All thanks and praise belong to Jesus for this transformation from sinner to saint. Scriptures tell us “For the joy set before Him He endured the cross, scorning its shame…” This joy of presenting us back to the Father, having paid our sin-debt with His own blood, the Perfect Lamb of God laid down His life as a sacrifice once and for all defeating death, and then sat down at the right hand of the Father. The joy of having completed the will of the Father who sent Him into the world He loves so much to redeem us back to Him that by grace through faith we are “seen fit and sufficient, a saint not a sinner, rescued to a reward, and it is ALL because of Jesus!
How to Pray
The previous verses in Colossians chapter 1 speak of us, “walking in a manner worthy of the Lord,” pleasing Him, bearing fruit, and increasing in the knowledge of God. These are not to earn, purchase, or pay Jesus back for our salvation; that price could only be paid by the great sacrifice of the Son of God. These are characteristics of our response, opportunities provided to us after being rescued. Our hearts should overflow with gladness and gratefulness, eager to know Him more and more every day, to live a life that reflects the One who gave me this life, love, and light. We lift up praise and thanks every day not just on the beautiful Sunday that marks the defeat of death, but with every heartbeat on earth and throughout eternity praising Him in the Kingdom of Heaven.
Will you join me in prayer?
Thank you, Jesus, that in Your power we are strengthened with all power, according to Your glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience and so we joyously give thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light. By grace, extended through Your sacrifice we have received salvation. We rejoice that we are redeemed, rescued from the domain of darkness, and the Father has transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son. We pray that our hearts remain filled with awe and joy, overflowing with praise and thanks with every breath and step we take every day for all eternity. Thank You Jesus! We bless You as we pray in Your wonderful, powerful name, Amen!
Serving Him with gladness,
Kathy Branzell
President
