GOD IS LIGHT

"This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all" (1 John 1:5)

Devotion 20 of 22

THE RICHES OF HIS INHERITANCE

"The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know . . . what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints" (Eph 1:18, NKJV).

Other versions read, "the riches of his glorious inheritance IN the saints" (NASB), "what are the riches of his glorious inheritance AMONG the saints" (NIV), 'the wealth of the glory of his heritage IN the saints" (BBE).

The saints of God are called to obtain an inheritance, which is "given" to them (Acts 20:32). This "inheritance" is "obtained" in Christ according to God's predestinated purpose (Eph 1:11). It is described as 'incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you" (1 Pet 1:4). How marvelous that we are called to receive such an inheritance (Acts 26:18). However, this inheritance, of which all saints are made "partakers" (Col 1:12) is NOT the inheritance of our text. This rich and glorious inheritance is NOT something we receive. It is the inheritance GOD Himself receives.

"The riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints" proclaims an aspect of the kingdom Satan tirelessly seeks to obscure. Those in Christ Jesus are God's inheritance! The saints of God are nothing less than "GOD'S HERITAGE" (1 Pet 5:3). How poignantly the Spirit speaks through Peter on this matter. "But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, HIS OWN SPECIAL PEOPLE" (1 Pet 2:9, NKJV). Again it is written, "who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself HIS OWN SPECIAL PEOPLE, zealous for good works" (Tit 2:14, NKJV).

Even under the law, the statement is made, "For the LORD'S PORTION is His people" (Deut 32:9). Again, the psalmist writes, "Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, The people He has chosen as HIS OWN INHERITANCE" (Psa 33:12). How vividly this concept is stated in the Lord's assessment of Israel of old. "For the LORD has chosen Jacob FOR HIMSELF, Israel for HIS SPECIAL TREASURE" (Psa 135:4). Again, He calls Israel "HIS inheritance" (Psa 78:71). And again, "This people I have formed FOR MYSELF" (Isa 43:21).

Now, in Christ Jesus, all of these sayings are brought to their highest level. The saved are "GOD'S OWN PEOPLE" (1 Pet 2:9, NIV)--His inheritance! Salvation is what we received--we are what the Lord receives. Jesus gains us as a bride and "joint heirs." God receives us as His personal inheritance.

The wonders that will be revealed in God's inheritance are so grand they must be revealed to us. Throughout the ages to come, God will show heavenly hosts "the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us through Christ Jesus" (Eph 2:7). In them God will show what His grace has and can do. They will be eternal exhibits of the effectiveness of His love and grace. In unprecedented ways He will walk in them and dwell in them. They are His inheritance.

This is the real substance of Christ's intercessory prayer on the eve of His death. "I do not ask in behalf of these alone, but for those also who believe in Me through their word; that they may all be one; even as Thou, Father, art in Me, and I in Thee, that they also may be IN US; that the world may believe that Thou didst send Me. And the glory which Thou hast given Me I have given to them; that they may be one, just as We are one; I in them, and Thou in Me, that they may be perfected in unity, that the world may know that Thou didst send Me, and didst love them, even as Thou didst love Me" (John 17:20 23, NASB). Note, Jesus does not pray that we may be one with each other, but one in Him and the Father ("that they also may be IN US").

The very glory the Father gave the Son is given to those God has chosen for His inheritance ("the glory which Thou hast given Me, I have given them"). The oneness for which Jesus prayed is precisely identified: "I in them, and Thou in Me, that they may be perfected in unity." The world believing that Jesus loved them and was sent for them does NOT depend upon us being one with each other. It DOES depend upon us being one with the Father and the Son! This is not to deprecate unity among believers, or diminish its necessity. The Spirit has made us "one" in Christ. It is our duty to maintain that unity in the bond of peace (Eph 4:1). However, the real power comes from unity with the Father and the Son.

God can open the eyes of our understanding to perceive these things. The impact of such insight will ripple throughout every facet of life here and in the world to come.

PRAYER POINT: Father, in the name of Christ, help me to see more of what I am to You.

-- Tomorrow: THE POWER THAT IS TOWARD US --