LETTERS PATENT

From Noble Plans

In the medieval period a noble document meant to be read publicly were called Letters Patent.

"These were royal letters, sent open with a seal and pendant attached Their contents were not considered to be secret. Such letters authorised an action or instructed for instance, a sheriff to act. "*

In this day and age of e-mails, tweets, and instant messaging, it would be a rare and exotic thing indeed to receive a parchment bearing a message written in ink by quill, emblazoned with a wax seal and a pendant.

Yet I am reminded of the words of Rabbi Saul of Tarsus in 2Cor 3:2-3 where he refers to Christ's disciples as living letters, "known and read by all."

That means you, beloved. You are that rare parchment, sealed with the noble and eternal sign of the King of kings. You are His Letter Patent, bearing the seal and sentiment of your Sovereign.

When people read you — and they most certainly do — what do they read?

Being God's Letter Patent is a noble part of being an heir of the King, and an important aspect of any disciple's noble plan.


"A noble man devises noble plans; and by noble plans he stands"

* (A Dictionary of Medieval Terms and Phrases, Christopher Corèdon with Ann Williams, ©2004, D. S. Brewer, Woodbridge, Suffolk, UK, p. 175)