READING: Colossians 1-4
I still remember the first time I really heard about Jesus. I was 12 years old. I had heard His name during Christmas times, but I knew nothing else about Him. I had no idea that “He is before all things, and in him all things hold together” (Col 1:17), and I surely didn’t understand that in Him “all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form” (Col 2:9). Imagine my surprise, fascination, and interest when I first met Him and began to know Him better!
If I’m honest, though, I needed to read the book of Colossians today. I needed the reminder that He is more powerful than any power; in fact, all the powers, “visible and invisible . . . have been created through him and for him” (Col 1:16). Even the powers that rebelled against God were first His creation, and He still reigns over them (Col 2:10). They now seek to lure us into sin and false teachings, but Jesus has already defeated them through His death: “And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross” (Col 2:15). In God’s amazing plan, He broke the back of the enemy by His Son’s choice to be broken Himself – when and where He reigned from a cross!
And then, I’m reminded today where I was before Jesus saved me. I was, like all unbelievers, “in the domain of darkness” (Col 1:13). Were it not for God’s willingness to rescue me and transfer me to His kingdom, I would be destined for a hell prepared for the devil and his forces. Instead, I’m God’s child, chosen, holy, and “dearly loved” (Col 3:12). My only proper response to His grace is to set my heart and mind on things above, put to death anything in my life opposed to God, clothe myself with God’s compassion, and do everything in the name of the Lord (Col 3:1-17).
I needed all these reminders today.
ACTION STEPS:
- Using Colossians 3, evaluate your life in light of Paul’s words. Repent where you need to repent.
- Enlist a brother or sister in Christ who will pray Colossians 4:2-4 for you – asking God to give you opportunities to speak the gospel, and that you will speak it clearly.
PRAYER: “I praise You, Jesus, for who You are. Reign in my life this day.”
TOMORROW’S READING: 1 Thessalonians 1-5
