Daily Meditation: May 18, 2020

by Dan Chapman on May 18, 2020

May you be made strong with all the strength that comes from his glorious power, and may you be prepared to endure everything with patience, while joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has enabled you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the light. He has rescued us from the power of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption the forgiveness of sins.

- Colossians 1:11-14


Don’t you love these verses? Every time I read them the blessings and promises that are contained in them seem almost overwhelming and unbelievable. Yet, they are very real and we are literally rescued from darkness and are part of the kingdom of his beloved Son. We share in the inheritance of the saints.

The Old Testament reading for today is Lev. 25:35-55. In it the Lord instructs the Israelites that if a fellow Israelite becomes poor, even to the point of indenturing themselves to you, you may not treat them as a slave (like property), charge them interest on a loan, or make a profit off them. They must be treated as family and even allowed to live with you if necessary. Why is this? Because, as members of the people of Israel, you are both equally the Lord’s servants whom he rescued and brought out of Egypt. We are all servants of this same God who has rescued us and brought us out of the power of darkness.

Paul starts his letter to the Colossians thanking God for the faith in Christ Jesus and their love for all the saints as members of God’s kingdom. This faith and love is why Paul prays what he does in today’s verses. We are all currently going through a time when our strength and patience are being stretched beyond normal. May we be made strong and endure with patience while giving thanks to the Father who has transferred us into the kingdom of his Son and enabled us to share in the inheritance of the saints.

Hold Onto God's Unchanging Hand - Paul Halley and Theresa Thomason

I will call to mind the deeds of the Lord; I will remember your wonders of old. I will meditate on all your work and muse on your mighty deeds. Your way, O God, is holy. What god is so great as our God? You are the God who works wonders; you have displayed your might among the peoples. With your strong arm you redeemed your people, the descendants of Jacob and Joseph. Selah. - Psalm 77:11-15