April 6, 2020 Colossians 1:21-23 And You . . .

​And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him, if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister. Colossians 1:21-23
 
In Colossians 1:15-20, Paul declares the glories of Christ. He does it so well that it would be perfectly understandable for the reader to stop there, overwhelmed by the person of Jesus, and spend the next day in worship. That would be an appropriate response.
 
Another excellent response would be to read on. For, in verses 21-23, Paul presents this glorious Christ as a personal Christ. Paul explains just what Christ has done for the believer, “You were . . . He has . . . in order to . . . if you . . .”
 
You, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds. This is where we all start. We all begin life in a broken relationship with God—enemies who hate and rebel against their King. This is sin. Every Christian started life in this deplorable condition. 
 
He has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death. This is what turned the enemy of Christ into His friend. Jesus, God the Son Incarnate, embraced His enemy as He took on that enemy’s sin-guilt and died. In His physical body, He suffered the wrath of God’s judgment for them. Those who were distant have been brought close. Those who were enemies have been made friends. 
 
In order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him. Why did He do it? Why suffer for the wicked rebel? He did so to present Himself with a spotless and pure people on the last day. On that day, Jesus the Lamb of God will declare, “Here they are. I died for them!” That same Jesus, as the King of kings, will respond, “A perfect gift! Spotless and pure. A perfected people to dwell in my presence forever!” 
 
If indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister. How can you know that you are among that holy and blameless population? Faith. Trust Jesus and keep on trusting Jesus. Don’t let your hope shift from Him to anything else: not your deeds, your religion, your government, your success, your wealth, your health, or anything else. Just keep your faith and your hope in Him.
 
Look to Jesus and keep your eyes on Him. May you have the joy of your Lord today.
 
In Christ,
 
Pastor Don