Colossians {Day 30 or The End}

It is the last day of November, and thus, the last day in this series in Colossians.  Here are some final thoughts.  I do so wish I had one of those amazing brains that could read back through all I wrote the last 29 days, then give you a superb synthesis, tying it all together.  I do not have such a brain.  My husband does, but he's not the author of this blog, so what you get are the thoughts foremost in my mind at the moment!

I'm leaving Colossians with two big ideas rattling around in my head:

1. Christians need to read their Bibles and spend (lots of) time thinking about Jesus.

At the time this was written, there wasn't yet a cannon of Scripture for the early Christians.  Later, this letter became part of the cannon.  Paul spent the majority of the book focusing on Christ: His identity, His purpose, His role, His work, His glory.  He presented Gospel Truth to the Colossians and summarized what Christ had done for them three times before the end of chapter two (1:13-14, 1:21-22, 2:13-15).  If they didn't need to be reminded, I don't think Paul would have spent so much time writing about Jesus.  Focusing on Christ would protect them from being swayed by false teachings, keep their eyes set on things above, motivate them to put off the old self and put on the new, and enable them to pursue righteousness in their relationships and work.

As believers in the 21st Century, we need to be reminded of and refreshed by the Gospel just as the Colossians.  We need to immerse ourselves in God's Word.  Fuzzy feelings or speculations about God and our salvation in Christ will not sustain us.  We need Christ Himself, and we encounter Him through the Spirit and by His Word.  As the Word takes root in our hearts, the fruit of the Spirit will flourish there.  We sure need the Word of God - written and Christ Himself.

2. Theology and life are interconnected.

I remember reading in a commentary on John by R.C. Sproul that our doctrine is important, because it enhances our worship, making it more meaningful because we comprehend more about God and ourselves.  I don't often remember things from books, only that I liked or disliked them, but this concept really stuck with me and has influenced my desire to keep reading the Bible, to read commentaries, to ask questions, to wrestle with the tougher ideas in Scripture.

Paul certainly lays out in his letter to the Colossians just how interconnected theology and the Christian life are.  Our theology will influence how we live as Christians; the way we choose to live will influence our theology.  I heard someone say once that everyone's a theologian, the question is whether you're a good or a bad one.  Paul emphasizes throughout Colossians the necessity and importance of believing in the real Jesus and the true Gospel, not something that has been added to or altered to feel more comfortable or controllable for us.  There is a cycle: as our theology is on track, we'll begin to live "on track" with it.  When it's off track, the cycle is the same, but on a bad track.  Likewise, when we choose to live in a way that allows us to pursue good theology, we find it.  If we don't care or don't think it's important to pursue, our theology will head off in the wrong direction.  (It will.  The heart is deceitful above all things, Jeremiah 17:9.)

For example: I have found that when I study God's Word, hear it preached, read edifying books, and learn more about God, I'm left in greater awe of the Gospel and desire to live for Christ in a free and joyful way.  Good theology, Christian living for good reasons.  When I start to stray from the truth and believe lies the devil is whispering to me or start living like an orphan rather than an adopted daughter of the King of kings, I live and try to be a "good Christian" motivated entirely by fear and doubt.  Christian living for wrong reasons.  Do you find this to be true for you too?

Paul laid good theology out for the Colossians so they would not forget who they had been, who God is, and what they now were because of Christ.  It was of first importance to him and he knew it was what they needed to stay the course and continue in [their] faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel (1:23).

Praise God for the hope held out in the gospel!

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If you have been reading this month, thanks for joining in on the journey.  Did you learn anything new?  Has God been using Colossians to challenge you?  A blogger always wonders about these things!  Feel free to leave a comment, I'm grateful to know you stopped by.

Colossians {Day 29}

We're gonna sprint to the finish today, folks, so there's time for a wrap-up post tomorrow, to round out this month in Colossians.

Colossinas 4:2-18

2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. 3 And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. 4 Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. 5 Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. 6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

7 Tychicus will tell you all the news about me. He is a dear brother, a faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord. 8 I am sending him to you for the express purpose that you may know about our circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts. 9 He is coming with Onesimus, our faithful and dear brother, who is one of you. They will tell you everything that is happening here.

10 My fellow prisoner Aristarchus sends you his greetings, as does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas. (You have received instructions about him; if he comes to you, welcome him.) 11 Jesus, who is called Justus, also sends greetings. These are the only Jews among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have proved a comfort to me. 12 Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured. 13 I vouch for him that he is working hard for you and for those at Laodicea and Hierapolis. 14 Our dear friend Luke, the doctor, and Demas send greetings. 15 Give my greetings to the brothers at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house.

16 After this letter has been read to you, see that it is also read in the church of the Laodiceans and that you in turn read the letter from Laodicea.

17 Tell Archippus: “See to it that you complete the work you have received in the Lord.”

18 I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.

Some observations about the end of this letter to the Colossians:

1. It's very similar to the way Paul ends most of his letters: really rushed final instructions and greetings to and from specific individuals.
2. The commentators both brought out that some of these folks Paul mentions are Jews and some are Gentiles.  He's intimately connected to believers from both backgrounds.
3. Paul covets the prayers of the Colossians.  He asks them for prayer in the final instructions and also says Remember my chains in his good-bye.  The apostle needs fellow believers to pray for him!

This last chapter makes me think about two things: intimacy with fellow believers and prayer.  As I read the final greetings and the way Paul speaks of these men and women, it appears that he really loves and cares about them.  He knows their names, what they're up to, and commends them to the church in Colosse.  They're not just "staff" in his Gospel-sharing business; they're his brothers and sisters in Christ.  And even as he asks for prayer, you know that he prays earnestly for those from whom he seeks prayer as well.

Paul prayed and sought prayer because he believed it made a difference in his life and in the lives of others, enabling boldness and focus, opening doors for ministry opportunities, and offering hope.  You know, Jesus prayed too.  In prayer Jesus connected with the Father.  In prayer Paul did likewise.  In prayer, all of God's people have done the same for centuries.

I'm challenged by these final verses to pray for believers and churches in places I have lived, that their ministry there might be fruitful, that the Gospel would go forth, that the Lord would sustain them.  Further, I'm challenged to take relationships with my brothers and sisters in Christ more seriously, to go deeper, because our bond is so much more than flesh and blood or common interests or even that we attend the same congregation.  We are united in Christ.

That's really amazing!  Paul never took it lightly, and neither should we.

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G'night, brothers and sisters.  Tomorrow will be our final installment in the book of Colossians, then Advent is just around the corner!

Colossians {Day 28}

Today we come to a "juicy" passage that includes the words wives and submit.  How exciting!  Before we read the passage, though, I would like to remind us where these "Rules for Christian Households" is situated: in the Bible, in the book of Colossians (a letter to Christians), after chapters in praise of Christ and what He's done to save his people, who are all in equal need of His saving grace.  These family rules are for believers who are making verse 17 their goal:

Whatever you do, whether in word or in deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

With further ado, we'll continue in chapter three and include the first verse of chapter four.

18 Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.

19 Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.

20 Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.

21 Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.

22 Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to win their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. 23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, 24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. 25 Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there is no favoritism.

4 Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair, because you know that you also have a Master in heaven.

Wives, husbands, children, fathers, slaves, and masters.  Like they shout on the Electric Company, "HEY YOU GUYS!!!!!  God has something to say to you, not only about your salvation, but also about how to live in your earthly relationships."

To me it is a bit sad all of the fuss made about verse eighteen.  Getting to focused on the "injustice" of wives submitting to their husbands (without understanding what it means, just assuming it means being a doormat, going as far as letting your husband beat you, if that's your situation), takes away from the fact that what Christ has done for us can and should influence and change the way we interact in our families and households.  As the New Bible Commentary points out, nothing is outside Christ's rule and authority:

The paragraph contains many references to the Lord, indicating that the whole of life, both thought and conduct, is to be submitted to the Lord Jesus Christ.  No area of life stands outside his control; so there is no final distinction between the sacred and the secular.   A life ruled form above where Christ is reigning (3:1-4) is a life in marriage, parenthood, and everyday work.

Due to lack of both time and Biblical expertise, I'm going to leave this passage at that.  Please dig into it more, ask your pastor questions, and listen to what God might be saying to you, in your place in a family and/or work.

I don't know about you, but I would love to be so free and joyful in my relationship to Christ that in whatever I do I work at it with all my heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.  (v. 23)  Wouldn't you?

Let's start right now, with whatever we're going to do next, which for me is relieving a babysitter and preparing dinner.  Have a good evening!

Colossians {Day 27}

12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Picking up from where we left off yesterday (the putting to death of the earthly nature), today we'll move into a section about what we're to put on.  Paul begins this section with another therefore.  What's he referring to?  Rewind to the first few verses of the chapter.  Remember?  Yep, you've been raised with Christ ... your life is now hidden with Christ in God.  You're new people, Colossians!  In fact, Paul says after the 'therefore' that they're God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved.  Since that is who they are, they've got new clothes to put on.

So, not only is the Christian to put off or put to death the old self, he is also to put on the new.  This is all so active isn't it?  Surely the Christian life is not for the faint of heart (which makes me wonder why God invited me into it, because I'm a "quit when the going gets tough" kind.)  At the same time, however, it's activity under a blanket of security.  What we do (or not) doesn't come into account for one saved by grace.  Our pursuit of holiness (putting of the old nature and putting on Christ) is a response to what's already been done in our lives.  The need to put off and put on is a daily practice for the Christian.  We're not fully sharing in Christ's glory yet, we live on this side of heaven.  Sin is always right there with us when we want to do good.

My true heart's desire is to be able to do this once - take of the old crap, put on the beautiful new garments of the fruit of the spirit - and be a model Christian for all to see.  But that desire is not about seeing God glorified; it's all about me.  Interacting daily with the Gospel, seeing our need to repent and believe the Good News, reminds us what an awesome Savior Jesus is and draws us toward a place of pursuing holiness to love, please, and obey Him.  NOT to get one's act together to be admired as a "great Christian person."

Getting back to the passage, Paul lays out a lot of new clothes for us to put on:

• compassion
• kindness
• gentleness
• humility
• patience
• love
• forgiveness
• peace
• thankfulness

I dunno about you, but I need a serious dose of Jesus for those to be growing in increasing measure in my life.  After listing all those things, what does Paul say?  Verses 16:

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.

We gotta let the word dwell in us!  It is God's Word, taking root in our hearts and minds, that transforms us. Then we can teach, admonish, and encourage fellow believers.  There's no magic formula or spell to cast.  We start with Jesus (the Word) and we keep walking with Him.

Would you like to clothe yourself with compassion, kindness, gentleness, patience, and humility, wrapping it all up with love?  Me too.  I desire to be a changed person and to bless those around me.  How can that happen?  The B-I-B-L-E!  The Holy Spirit dwells in you, the very power that raised Christ from the dead.  Add to that a mind and heart being fed a regular diet of God's Word, and change is coming your way.

Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.  Clothe yourself with Christ!  He's not in the habit of abandoning people who earnestly seek Him.

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.  Colossians 3:17

Colossians {Day 26}

5 Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. 6 Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. 7 You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. 8 But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. 9 Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. 11 Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.  Colossians 3:5-11

In verse 5, Paul uses therefore in reference to verses 1-4 in which he laid out how their lives are now hidden with Christ in God and that they'll one day share in His glory.  Since that is who they are and the future secured for them, Paul says to them Put to death whatever belongs to your earthly nature ... rid yourself of such things as these ... do not lie to each other.

Paul could write us the same letter.  Christian, you are no longer defined by your past, your sin, your sins, none of that garbage.  You belong to Christ.  So put to death - put off, toss aside, kick to the curb - all of that sin.  F.F. Bruce pointed out that in that first list Paul moves from overt sins to the more "hide-able" (yes, I made up that word, could you tell?) sins, the sins in our hearts and minds: lust, evil desires, greed, idolatry.  We need to be actively setting these things aside, not just the sins we worry people will see if we do them, but even those no one will ever see.  Why?  BECAUSE (v. 10) we've put on a new self, being renewed in the image of its Creator.

Same reason applies to getting rid of the things Paul mentions in verses eight and nine, too.

I think in my past, I've read these verses and thought to myself, Alright, Heather, time to buckle down and start plucking all of the sin out of your life.  Then I would try and fail within, like, 30 seconds, leaving me only with despair.  In the context, however, with Paul having spent so long setting up for us Who Christ is, what He's done, how marvelous it is, how true is the Truth, I feel motivated by these verses in a refreshing, life-giving way.  I might express it this way:

Hey world, guess what?!  I don't belong to you anymore.  I've got a new Ruler, a new King in my life.  His name is Jesus.  Not only is He now my Lord, but He's my Savior too.  So, dark side, you have no business here.  Oh yes, the wrath of God is coming to get you, your day of justice is near.  But I will not be annihilated with you, because my life is hidden with Christ in God.  This also means I'm going to take my sin more seriously than I ever have.  I won't let it have its place anymore; when God shows me an aspect of my life that needs destroying, I'm going to get on board with His plan and work to wipe it out.  Why?  Because I've got a new self and I'm being renewed in the image of my Creator.  And that's just plain crazy, wild, amazing, beautiful good news.

Yeah, I think I'd say it something like that.

*     *     *

One final closing thought about verse eleven, brought to light (again) by F.F. Bruce.  Christ breaks down all the barriers.  There's no superiority in the kingdom.  You'll meet many who are more mature than you or gifted or trained more in certain aspects of ministry, but when it comes to the cleansing blood of Jesus, we're all equal at the foot of the cross.  And in Him we find brother- and sisterhood with men and women who are very different from us, from opposite sides of the fence, so to speak, by culture's boundaries.  Not only is it amazing what Christ does in our hearts as individuals, it is equally as remarkable what He does within the body of believers.

See you tomorrow!

Colossians {Day 24}

Yesterday I sped through some thoughts on the first seventeen verses of Colossians chapter three.  Now we'll slow it down a bit and go through these verses in shorter sections.  We'll begin with verses one through four.

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

Set your hearts on things above.  That's where Christ is!  Christian, you died, and now your life is hidden with Christ in God, because now Christ is your life.  When He comes again, you're gonna join him in his glory.

I'm like a babbling idiot next to the eloquence of F.F. Bruce (and probably many other people, too!), so here are his summary thoughts about this passage (after which he goes into greater detail, verse by verse, which I will not be typing out for you).

The Colossians are reminded that they not only died with Christ; they were raised from the dead with him too - as indeed they have been already told (Col 2:12).  When Christ left the tomb, he was raised on high, and is now enthroned in glory, at God's right hand. What does this mean for those who by faith have been united with him in his death and resurrection?  They continue to live on earth in their mortal bodies, but they have embarked on a new way of life.  The motive power enabling them to follow this new way of life is imparted by him from the glory in which he now lives.  Since his people share his risen life, their interests are now centered in him; his interests, in fact, have become theirs.  They must therefore pursue those things which belong to the heavenly realm where he reigns; their mind, their attitude, their ambition, their whole outlook must be characterized by their living bond with the ascended Christ,  they now live with him and in him.  Their life is bound up with his; it is, in other words, laid up in safekeeping with him, securely hidden in God.  Because he lives his people live also: because he is their life, their life is as eternal as his.  The world cannot see their real life at present, just as it cannot see the exalted Christ.  A day is coming, however, when Christ will be revealed in glory, and those whose life is at present hidden with him will necessarily be revealed with him and share his glory.  (p 131-2)

Praise God, right?!  What a great prelude to Sunday worship.

*    *     *

I'll close with one more of Bruce's comments as a bridge into the next verses, which we will look into on Monday:

What God has done for his people in Christ

is the grand argument and incentive for Christian living.

(p 124)

Have a blessed Sunday.  One week till Advent begins!!

Colossians {Day 23}

Last I wrote on Colossians, we finished up with this verse:

Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence.

Paul was warning the Colossians about getting shackled by ungodly rules and regulations imposed by men, which choke out the life of freedom found in the gospel.  On the outside, they seem wise and helpful, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence, ie. truly changing the heart.  Ironically, however, the next section in my Bible (which obviously was not part of the original letter, but is worth noting just the same) is headed "Rules for Holy Living."

Now wait just one minute.  Weren't we just talking about not getting caught up in all the rules and freely living our lives in Christ?!  Yes, yes we were.  So we've got to keep reading, don't we?  We must investigate this to find out what Paul's up to.  Is he going to show us the way to move toward restraining sensual indulgence?  Because as rated-R as that sounds, I'd be lying if I said I didn't need that.  I'm failing at self-control over here on a regular basis, in all areas of life.  Paul, what have you got for us?

Colossians 3:1-17

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

5 Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. 6 Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. 7 You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. 8 But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. 9 Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. 11 Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.

12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Oh boy, that's a lot of text.  We'll spend a couple of days here.

Some initial thoughts:

1. Set your hearts on things above, because of Christ.  The first thing Paul says to them, before giving them the proper "recipe" for holy living in Christ, is that they must set their hearts on things above, not earthly things.  Christ died and our lives are now in our God.  I get a picture in my head of my life being completely enveloped in God, surrounded, supported, protected, secure.  With one's heart set on remembering that - and that one day we'll share in Christ's glory (because He's coming back, God fulfills His promsies) - we're prepared to get into the following things: putting the old self to death and putting on the new self.  Do not rush to put the cart before the horse.  We need Christ's power to be changed and renew, to care about our sin and desire to mortify it, and to delight in living in a way that pleases the Lord.  Set your heart on things above.  THEN...
2. Put to death what belongs to the old nature, because you're being renewed in the image of Christ.  Because of your new identity, Colossians, get rid of the old junk from your former life.  You used to do all that, but now you've got a new self.  Notice that Paul does not here say that this secures their salvation; it's simply a natural progression from remembering their identity in Christ.  Those lists are pretty serious, aren't they?  I'm humbled by how accurately they describe me on a daily basis.  But I am encouraged by Paul's words to take the putting off of my sin more seriously because it no longer owns or defines me.  Christ does.  And He gives us new dress...
3. Clothe yourselves with Christ's character, because you're God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved.  Again, Paul reminds the Colossians who they are.  God's people!  Wowzers.  And God's people have a dress code.  We're called to put off the ugly old rags of sin and depravity, and to put on the beautiful robes of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, and love.  As we strip ourselves of the old, Christ gives us something new to put on.  This is a process of transformation, we don't automatically look like Christ the day we become a Christian.  But God is working His character into us, so we can reflect Him, and here Paul encourages the Colossians (and us) to get in on the "being made holy" action, by more intentionally clothing ourselves with these things.  What I find so beautiful is that we're not only told, "Stop that bad stuff!"  We're also told, "Christ has given you new things to wear and pursue."

That's all for this evening. We'll check this passage out s'more tomorrow.

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I hope you're getting to enjoy some good R&R and maybe some great shopping this weekend.  I'm got to take in a movie with the husband this afternoon.  You don't know this about him, but he's not a big fan of going to the movies.  When he mentioned he wanted to go see James Bond IN THE THEATER, I jumped all over it.  I love going to the movies!  And, for the record, Skyfall is amazing.

Colossians {Day 22, aka Thanksgiving)

So, holidays and thoughtful blog posts don't go together very well!  About to relax with the hubster after a fun family day.  I hope yours was a good one as well.  Below are the only photos I've go to share.  (My misuse of our normal camera has left us without a functioning camera and, well, I don't have an iPhone.)

Ready for Thanksgiving day breakfast!

Happy Day from our little turkey.

And the rest of them too!  :)

 

We feasted at my in-laws and this is what was left!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Colossians {Day 21}

Oh boy, there's not much of this day left now at 11:40pm!  The activities of the day before a holiday and devoting time to relationships can really make the hours fly by, can't they?

So for this evening, I'm going to pause and get a little introspective.  I have noticed of late an increased sensitivity to some of my signature sins: pride, jugementalism, complaining, impatience.  I don't think I'm really worse than before, the Spirit's simply been making me more aware.  You wanna know why I think that is?

If you do, keep reading.  If you don't care, go to bed, because it is late and you should totally be sleeping a not reading a blog at this hour!

Seriously though.  I think the Word is doing this to me.  Spending extra time examining the Scriptures, specifically Colossians, and seeing the grandeur of  Christ: His holiness, His power, His infinite-ness, His humility and obedience.  Focusing, as Paul wanted the Colossians to do, on Truth, on the Word, on the Cross, is shaking me.  It's good, but strange.

I've started to wonder about my priorities, too.  Why do I do what I do?  Why don't I share this beautiful, amazing, blessed Savior with more people?  How can our family make intentional moves to impact the world for Christ, one widow, orphan, or alien at a time?

I need to grow in repentance.  I hate admitting to God (or anyone, ask my husband) that I've been in the wrong.  But you know what?  This time in Colossians (and also currently in Ezekiel and Hebrews in my daily readings) is making me WANT to grow in repentance.

I need to choose God's priorities.  I'm addicted to my own comfort, peace, happiness, etc.  But you know what?  This time in Colossians (and the other books) is making me WANT to move in His direction.

I was thinking to myself today about posting a Facebook status update that read:

Heather Ashe is a woman strong character ... flaws.

That's the truth about me.

BUT, it's the truth about Christ that can change me.  Nothing but that truth.  The same goes for you, friend.

Is Colossians messing with you too?  I hope so, because it is GOOD when the Lord shakes us up by His Word.

Peace, friends.  Happy Thanksgiving!

Colossians {Day 20}

16 Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. 17 These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ. 18 Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you for the prize. Such a person goes into great detail about what he has seen, and his unspiritual mind puffs him up with idle notions. 19 He has lost connection with the Head, from whom the whole body, supported and held together by its ligaments and sinews, grows as God causes it to grow.

20 Since you died with Christ to the basic principles of this world, why, as though you still belonged to it, do you submit to its rules: 21 “Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!”? 22 These are all destined to perish with use, because they are based on human commands and teachings. 23 Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence.  Colossians 2:16-23

Paul begins with a "Therefore" and when I was in InterVarsity learning Bible study skills, I learned that we have to ask, What is the 'therefore' there for?  Cute little rhyme, huh?  And useful!

So rewind to yesterday.  Paul's Therefore means this:  because Christ cancelled the written code and defeated the powers of darkness by His work on the cross, you needn't let two things happen

1. letting someone judge you by your behaviors that don't line up with specific traditions, or
2. letting someone unqualified to judge, disqualify you from the prize.

It also seems to me, from these two paragraphs that he's addressing issues that the Colossians might run into with two groups: religious and secular.  The religious group, referred to in the first paragraph, has historical regulations, observations of festivals, and so on that I believe must come from the Old Covenant, because of what Paul says about them being a shadow of "things" to some (Jesus).  The second group I surmise is not a religious group and rather rules belonging to the culture, based upon his saying that they are rules based on human commands and teachings.  I don't think Paul, with his reverence for God and His Word, would say that about the law given through Moses.  BUT  I don't know for sure, so after I read more about this for tomorrow, I'll let you know if it needs to be corrected.

Either way, this does highlight how we can become held captive by "things" on either side of the horse, so to speak: in bondage to religion or in bondage to the culture.  Only staying ON the horse, where our eyes and hearts and minds are properly fixed on Christ, can keep us properly in the saddle.  As Paul said to the Galatians (5:1):

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.

CHRIST is the motivation to and the only One through which we can avoid being burdened by the judgments of others, empty religious rituals, and the principles of the world.  God holds things together and makes things grow through His Son, the Head (v. 19)  As Paul points out in the final verse of today's passage,

Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence.

On the outside, adhering to a bunch of rules can seem like the way to go, maintain your reputation, look good, etc.  But Paul calls a spade a spade; such things lead simply to self-worship, false humility, and only deal with how you treat your physical body.  None of them will change your heart, enabling you to restrain from sensual indulgence.

We need more than rules.  

We need Jesus.

And He's available.

*     *     *

Here's hoping I'm not totally off-base with these thoughts about this passage!  I'll do some reading in the next day and fill in any gaps tomorrow.  Also, there are only 9 writing days left in this month.  If you have been reading along, thank you!  I know this may not be interesting to many, but pray that it's a blessing to some.  I am learning a lot about how much I need to be considering Christ in the day-to-day.  Have you picked up anything new or have any insights to share?  Drop me a comment!

Colossians {Day 19}

As I was reading back through the passage on Saturday, I noticed that Paul continued his don't-be-taken-captive thread in his Gospel presentation in verses 13-15.

13 When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, 14 having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross. 15 And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.  Colossians 2:8-15

First, he reminds them, You were dead, BUT GOD made you alive with Christ.  Not only were their day-to-day sins keeping them in bondage and death, but their very sinful nature (an orientation opposed to God) needed to be addressed as well, for them to have life.  God did that for them in Christ.  How?

Verse 14, He forgave all their sins AND cancelled the written code by nailing it to the cross.  Not only does God forgive our sins past, present, and future, in Christ, but He also strikes out and breaks the power of the law that screams out, CONDEMNATION!!!  We need to be rescued not only from our sinful behavior, but from the judgement against us which Jews found in their inability to uphold the law and Gentiles found by not keeping up with what the consciouses told them was right.  Like it says in John 3:17-18, we're already in a state of condemnation, Jesus came to save His people from that.

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.  Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.

The written code, which stood against us and opposed us,  was cancelled

because Christ finished His work.

Paul then points out that just as the law was an insurmountable stumbling block, so were the spiritual rulers and authorities.  It says in verse 15 that God disarmed them, made a public spectacle of them, and triumphed over them by the cross.  The darkside, so to speak, was forced to raise the white flag when Jesus died on the tree.  There, at the cross, they thought they'd won.

If you've ever read The Lion, the Witch, and the Waredrobe, you surely remember the scene when Aslan lies dead on the table and evil beasts and beings are dancing around and delighting in the sacrifice.   What happened in the morning?  The table was broken and Aslan was alive!!  The "deeper magic from before the dawn of time" had triumphed over the evil!!!!  The powers and authorities were disarmed, made a public spectacle, and had been triumphed over.

The reign of the evil forces/powers/principalities is finished,

because Christ finished His work.

So Paul is saying, Look, dear brothers, don't be led astray by gazing too long at the law that tells you what you were.  And don't be led astray by thinking that the powers and authorities have any say in who you are and in your fate.  No sir.  Instead, keep looking at Christ, who by the cross, oh the glorious cross!!!, cancelled the written code and its condemnation of you and took care of the evil ones that wanted to have power over you.  Do not be afraid, take heart, Christ has overcome the world!

I love F.F. Bruce's final comments on this section.  He's exceedingly more eloquent than I, so I give his words to you.

The message proclaimed by Paul to the Colossians remains the one message of hope to men and women in frustration and despair.  Christ crucified and risen is Lord of all: all the forces of the universe are subject to him, not only the benign ones but the hostile ones as well.  They are all subject to the one through whom they were created; the hostile forces are also subject to the one by whom they were conquered.  Therefore, to be united to him is to be liberated from their thraldom, to enjoy perfect freedom, to overcome the powers of evil, through participation in his victory.  The redemption that is in Christ Jesus is a cosmic redemption; its healing virtue streams out of the farthest bounds of creation.  But it is a personal and particular redemption too: the conqueror who is enthroned at God's right hand, supreme above the universe and filling it with his presence, is at the same time enthroned as king in each believers heart.  p. 112-113

Praise God.

See you tomorrow!

Colossians {Day 17}

8 See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ. 

9 For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, 10 and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority. 11 In him you were also circumcised, in the putting off of the sinful nature, not with a circumcision done by the hands of men but with the circumcision done by Christ, 12 having been buried with him in baptism and raised with him through your faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead.  Colossians 2:8-12

You may remember that yesterday, when we looked at the previous verses, Paul was exhorting the Colossians to continue in the tradition they had received: Christ.  He continues on that theme in verse eight: See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depend on the basic principles of the world rather than Christ.

Naturally, to avoid being taken captive, one must know the "true truth" very well.  As Paul says here, the philosophies can be deceptive.  F.F. Bruce makes this interesting observation regarding hollow and deceptive philosophies (like the one that may have been a temptation to the Colossian church):

It sounded good, it appealed to natural religious instincts, but there was nothing in it for Christians.

The phrase, it appealed to natural religions instincts, really struck me.  There are many very nice teachings out there in the world, aren't there?  But just because they "feel" right, does not make them so.  The Christian must be thinking about the Word: the written Word of God and the Word who became flesh.  Paul quickly points the Colossians there in verse nine.

It's almost as if he's saying, Okay guys, here's the deal.  You gotta be on your guard against false teachings that depend on things of this world, not on Christ.  (v. 8 paraphrase) To do so, you need to remember these things (from verses 9-12)

1. Jesus is God in all His fullness.
2. In Him, you're filled up too!  (By the one who is over all, in all, and through all!!)
3. You're baptized: you died with Christ and now you live with Him.  That's God's power at work in you, the very power that raised Christ from the dead.

Those are the true truths you must stick to, Colossian brothers and sisters.  And, oh yeah, before I finish up these thoughts, let's get one more Gospel reminder into this letter.  I mean, really, remembering that is critical to your not being led astray!

13 When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, 14 having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross. 15 And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.  Colossians 2:13-15

*     *     *

How about we cling to that same Gospel truth tonight and into Sunday worship and, well, the rest of our lives, too?  Blessings to you tomorrow morning as you worship the God who grabbed you when you were dead in your transgressions and made you alive.  Glory be to God for triumphing over the powers and authorities by the cross!

There's more here, but it can wait until Monday!

Colossians {Day 16}

Throughout the first chapter of Colossians, we have learned a lot about Jesus: His origin, His power, His role in and over creation, His being, His life in us, and more.  Today we're going to stop in at Chapter two, verses six and seven.  Paul offers this commission to the Colossians, which I believe we can easily take as one for us too.

6 So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, 7 rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

From the two commentaries I'm reading, it appears to be important that the word "received" is a technical term meaning "receiving a tradition."  The Colossians have received Christ the person and the authoritative teaching about him.  (New Bible Commentary, p. 1269)  As such, Paul is telling them to continue to live their lives in keeping with the received tradition.

I, of course, did not know this until reading the commentaries.  My thoughts took a bit of a different path.  It made me think about the need to continue to live our lives in Christ in just the way we received Him at our conversion.  How did we receive Christ Jesus as Lord?  In dependence, repentance, humility, and faith.  Someone took the time to teach us Gospel truth and over time we grow in depth of knowledge and wisdom, but we never get away from needing to live our lives in dependence, repentance, humility, and faith.  We must be, as Paul says, rooted and built up in Christ, the very one from whom we received spiritual revival, by whom we are redeemed.  And we need to stick to right teaching, not chasing false teachings, for the strengthening of our faith.  (This part in the verse gets a little at the issues facing the Colossians.)  Then, finally, Paul says, overflowing with thankfulness.

Certainly at our initial conversion we are thankful!  There's such joy and life found when God opens our eyes to really see and receive his gift of a transfer from darkness into light, is there not?  Paul reminds us of the need to continue in thankfulness.  As we walk with the Lord Jesus, indwelt by His very presence, we are rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith, our our thanksgiving gets richer and deeper.

Our pastor in Boston used to talk about how most people he knew said that the most vibrant part of their life of faith was the very beginning.  Paul here points out that as we received Christ, so we must continue in Him. I think that when we do that, we might just find the a vibrant life of faith we're looking for just around the corner.

Colossians {Day 15}

Oh boy, we are half way through November and have only just dipped into Colossians chapter two!  Whoever is writing these posts is going to have to speed things up to be done by the end of the month.  Maybe she should have planned ahead better or, say, have planned in some way, any way at all!  It has gotten quite late in this day and people came before other things this afternoon, so I was not able to do the reading I wanted to to prepare for a post.  Fortunately, part of my evening activity involved talking about Colossians!

Tonight in our Community Group we were looking at the previous passage, 1:15-20, the one all about the supremacy of Christ.  Throughout this semester we have been talking about the word and theme of dwelling in Scripture.  Our leader, Peter, wanted us to think about what it means that all of God's fullness dwelt in Christ (v. 19).

That got me to thinking about how later, (verse 27), Paul says the mystery God revealed is Christ in you, the hope of glory.  God the Son, Jesus, was/is indwelt by all that God the Father is.  He was sent to die on the cross to reconcile all things to the Father and to make a way to dwell in each one who believes in Him.  Christ was indwelt that we might be indwelt.

Christ in you, the hope of glory.

Colossians 1:27

I can't really get over it.  God wants to take up residence in His people.  That He does, gives hope.  I believe one could argue that, in addition to being our hope, Christ in us also emboldens us.  If Christ lives in me, He must have work to do in and through me.  If Christ lives in you, He must have work to do in and through you.  The awesome, mighty, glorious, wonderful Creator God, dwelling inside of you and me.

Paul spoke of his struggle and his labor for the Gospel.  How did He keep it up amid opposition, physical punishment, imprisonments, the thorn in his flesh, etc.?

We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me.  Colossians 1:28-29

Christ in Paul, the hope of glory.  His glory was not to be found in fame or fortune.  Paul's hope of glory was  a person, a person living inside of him, working powerfully in him, giving him the strength to labor fully in the service of the Gospel - Jesus Christ.

Paul was completely surrendered to the Christ that lived in him.

I don't think I'm there yet.  But the reminder that God dwells in my heart through faith.  GOD in ME?  Preposterous, yet wonderful, when we believe it.

How might meditating on, Christ in you, the hope of glory, begin to change you, what you think, how you act, your willingness to take risks?  I suspect He'll get right to work as soon as we let Him!

I'm risking falling asleep on m keyboard, so that's the end.  G'night, friends.

Colossians {Day 14}

This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.

24 Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church. 25 I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness— 26 the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the saints. 27 To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

28 We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. 29 To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me.

2 I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me personally. 2 My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 4 I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments. 5 For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is.  Colossians 1:24-2:5

Tonight I'm going to offer up my own observations on this (kind of long) chunk of verses.  Tomorrow I hope to do a little reading to see what The New Bible Commentary and F.F. Bruce would add to the conversation.  I'm also praying God will show me and you how this intersects with our lives.

According to this passage, Paul is suffering for the church.  Why is he suffering?  Does he suffer because he's working to protect and further the preaching of "the mystery"?  Paul belongs to the Gospel, to Christ, as its servant.  He loves and serves the Truth with great passion, doesn't he?

What is THE MYSTERY?  Christ in you, the hope of glory.  Even for the Gentiles!

Christ in you, the hope of glory.

Image credit:  http://euangelizomai.wordpress.com/2012/05/05/christ-in-you-the-hope-of-glory/

Remember yesterday how we were talking about once being alienated from God and His enemies, but once we believe in Jesus we're reconciled to God and peace is restored.  The Gospel is this crazy mystery (revealed with Christ!) that no longer do daily sacrifices have to be made that never completely atone for our sin.  Christ's blood atones, once and for all, and if one puts his/her faith in Him, He takes up residence in us.  The hope of glory - our only hope to participate in real, eternal, beautiful glory - is Christ dwelling in our hearts through faith.  Awesome.

Paul, the Gospel-lover of all Gospel-lovers, really wants everyone to be presented perfect in Christ (1:28.)  So he LABORS for the Gospel.  What against?  Heresies, divisions, arguments, etc?  I think 2:4, So that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments, gives us the best clue.  He wants Christians to know, believe, and cling to the true truth of Christ: Christ in you, the hope of glory.  Nothing more, nothing less.

Paul expresses two goals in these verses:

1. spread the Word so everyone can be presented perfect in Christ, and
2. that those who already believe might grow in deeper knowledge of the mystery of God

He is equally as concerned with those who have yet to hear the Good News, as with those who have.  When it's seed planting time, he plants seeds.  When it's pruning time, he prunes.  When it's fertilizing time, he fertilizes.  And through all of those, he regularly has words of encouragement, as in the end of this passage (2:5), I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is.

I sure do wonder what it would have been like to know Paul.

And with that thought, tonight's blost comes to a close.  Anything else stand out to you from this passage?

Colossians {Day 13}

This evening, we find ourselves in the second of three Gospel summaries that punctuate the first two chapters of Colossians.

21 Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. 22 But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation— 23 if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.  Colossians 1:21-23

ONCE UPON A TIME, Paul reminds the Colossians, you were alienated from and enemies of God, because of you evil behavior.

BUT NOW?  OH NOW, you are reconciled to Him and freed from accusation!

Why?  Well, the cosmic reconciliation that brought peace, spoken of in verse 20, also applied personally.  When Christ shed His blood on the cross, not only were things happening on the grand scale of all creation, but also on the personal level for those who would receive the good news!

The use of the phrase by Christ's physical body (v. 20) is agreed (at least in the two commentaries I'm reading) to be addressing the heresy that Christ was never really a man.  Scripture and history teach that He was, and the former that it was of the utmost importance.  Bruce says, these words emphasize there is a necessary bond between his incarnation and his atoning death. ...  The incarnation of the Son of God was real and necessary for the demonstration of God's righteousness in the bestowal of his peace on sinners.  (p 78-9, also citing Romans 8:3)

The Gospel is so beautiful!  Paul loves to remind them of their roots in the faith and the way things once were verses how they are now between them and God.

But what about the next part?

Paul wraps up with the comment: if you continue in the faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel.  Can I let you in on a little secret?  This is one of those lines in the Bible that I don't really like.  I read the "if" like this: You better not blow it at this faith thing!  I quickly transfer myself from salvation by grace, which Paul has just spent the previous verses explaining, to salvation by works!  Does it sound like that to you too?

I don't believe, based on the rest of Scripture, that it's a scare tactic or that Paul's changing his story.  The commentaries here have been helpful.  The saints must persevere.  We cannot give up on the faith or on our foundation, which is Jesus Christ, his blood shed on the cross.  From day 1 as a child of God on this earth to the last, we must stand firm in the Gospel truth that we are dependent upon Christ for lifeand pledge our allegiance to Him alone.

ESTABLISHED AND FIRM in HOPE we are to be.  Hope is found only in Christ.  Heck, He is the hope.  He will be the one presenting us holy in [God's] sight, without blemish and free from accusation.  God will one day come to judge.  Our hope, (because God fulfills is promises and because Jesus died, rose, and will come again), is that we are no longer enemies; we have been reconciled to God!

If that doesn't mean much to you right now, ask God to work in your heart to show you just how depraved and wretched you are.  He will, and the Gospel will become more precious to you as a result.

For now, this post is long enough, these truths plenty to keep our small minds busy, and the topic changes a bit in 23b.  So we'll take a look at Paul, the servant of the Gospel, tomorrow.

Peace.

Colossians {Day 12}

We've been working our way through Paul's hymn about Jesus in Colossians 1:15-20, and over the last several days we've hit on these truths from just the first couple of verses:

• Jesus made the invisible God visible.
• Jesus holds a supreme position over all creation.
• All things were created by and for Jesus.
• Studying and meditating on Jesus, the King of kings and Lord of lords is good for our faith.

I got to spend time this weekend reading through commentaries on verses 17-20.  There's so much to chew on!

17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. 19 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.

Here are some thoughts on the main points:

Verse 17 - Jesus is the glue holding everything together and He's the one that got it all started.  I like how F.F Bruce said we can't "press back into our imaginations" to find a time that Jesus wasn't.  And now all that was made by Him is upheld and sustained by Him.

Christ yesterday, today, and forever!

Verse 18 - The head supplies life and direction to a body.  The body does as the head commands.  Christ, the head, is supplying (risen!) life to the Church, and the Church does as Christ commands.  Apparently this doctrine is unique to Paul; I love the imagery.  We're all interconnected with one another and all directed by our Head, Christ the Lord.  Further, Christ is in charge, the supreme one, for He is the firstborn from among the dead.

Verse 19 & 20 - This verse is so tender.  God was pleased.  It can be easy to think of God as a distant One, a force or ruler giving the commands, with His arms crossed, keeping His watchful eye on us to make sure we don't screw up.  But how beautiful that God was pleased to have all His fullness dwell in Christ.  All that God is, Jesus is.  Not only is Jesus making the invisible God visible (v. 15), but God is pleased that this is so.  Beautiful!  The Father loves the Son and His plan to save the world through Him.

Verse 20 - Jesus came to make peace.  In this passage there's no mention of the fall or enmity between God and man, but in this verse we're reminded of the story.  Through Christ, God was able to reconcile to himself all things, ... by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.  Things in both heaven and earth were not right, there was no peace.  God had a plan, that pleased Him (!), to reconcile and bring peace  through His Son - the very Son who was present at active in the creation of all things in heaven and on earth. The plan is so amazing.  The reconciliation so complete with the shedding of Christ's blood.  Bruce offers this thought:

The fullness of divine energy is manifested in Christ in the work of reconciliation as well as that of creation.  (p. 74)

How can I summarize all of this to close?

Jesus, Jesus, Jesus!

Creator, Preeminent over all things, Sustainer of all things, Upholder of all things, Head of the Church, God incarnate, Peacemaker, Sacrificed Savior - and this list does surely not exhaust all that we could say about Him.

May the you know the Truth,

and may He set you free.

Colossians {Day 10}

Yesterday, we started into Paul's hymn in praise of Jesus, verses 15-20 of Colossians 1.  This morning as I pondered how we should think about this passage, I had these thoughts that I want to share with you.

In passages of Scripture like this, we are invited to think about BIG things: who Jesus is, what His nature is, what He came for, what His position is over creation.  These are wonderful thoughts!  But it can be challenging to connect these wonderful things to day-to-day life.  Is it worth it to spend time in passages like this one?

The answer is YES!

Here's why.  The more we know about who God is, how He loves us, and how He interacts with His people, the more solid our foundation becomes.  We cannot spend our days only thinking high and lofty thoughts about God, but our days are different when our foundation is that very high and lofty God Himself.  When we're confident God is who He says He is, we believe that what He says about us is also true: we belong to Him; His Spirit dwells in us; He empowers us to life and godliness.  If we march too quickly from Him to the "Thou Shalts" and the "Thou Shalt Nots," our confidence will crumble, because the necessary foundation has not been laid.  Life will get in the way, trials will come, sin will threaten to destroy us, but if our confidence, hope, life, joy, peace, and all that other good stuff find their root in Christ, we will not be shaken.  (I do hope this is making sense, perhaps we'll touch on this theme again soon and I'll be having a more eloquent day!)

So, when we read verse 16,

For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him.

we're pulled into a place of wonder and worship!  THIS is Jesus: creator and authority over all creation.  Combine that with what we know of the Gospel from the rest of Scripture, and we have to lift our jaws off the floor.  All things were created by Jesus and for Jesus,  yet he humbled Himself, became a man, and died on a cross for sinners who (most certainly) did not deserve a rescue.  It is upon this solid rock, as the hymn says, that we stand.  All other ground is sinking sand.  We are not wasting time AT ALL, plugging verse by verse through this paragraph about Jesus, are we?  Could we ever really spend enough time considering these truths?

I pray that in coming weeks, as we move into later chapters of Colossians and study more "practical" things (rules to live by in the church and family) that these truths about Christ will always in the back of our minds.  For it is unto Him that we live, and it is to Him that we belong - and that not as slaves, but as brothers.

Have a blessed Sunday.  We're enjoying some lovely weather here in Pittsburgh!  See you on Monday.