The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing, majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of him and what came to my mind and heart in Colossians 1:19-20,
"For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him [God's Son, Jesus Christ], 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."
Just how did God reconcile to himself all things? How was it he brought about peace through the blood of Jesus Christ shed on that cross? Merriam-Webster defines "reconcile" as to restore to friendship or harmony. God effected peace by establishing a reconciliation between himself and all who are willing through the gospel message.
Some have a mistaken notion that God brought peace on earth when he sent his Son here on Christmas Day two millennia ago. We find it in our Christmas carols and cards. The heavenly host that heralded the birth of Jesus Christ with their praise is referred to. However, when we look at what they said, we find it was not peace among men, an absence of hostilities between peoples that was proclaimed, but peace between God and those who have embraced him in faith. "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests." Luke 2:14. In this proclamation the peace on earth is for those who have embraced Jesus Christ in faith, those upon whom God's favor rests. Only those who embrace the Lord in faith possess God's favor. In Hebrews 11:6 we read, "Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." Having been reconciled, those who have embraced the Lord in faith experience peace with God.
What is this hostility that required reconciliation? It is found in a comment Paul makes, "Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior." Colossians 1:21. That evil behavior that all have engaged in at one time or another (some of us a lot of the time) brings God's judgment upon us. It is that foreboding judgment that incurs the alienation, the need for reconciliation, for peace with God. Unfortunately, some would rather cling to their sin than to be reconciled to God. Any mention of God in their presence is a reminder of the unwise choice they have made and brings rise to a hostility within them. Any mention of Jesus Christ, any mention of anything Judeo-Christian brings offense, ire and an intolerant (and at times belligerent) reaction.
What is this hostility that required reconciliation? It is found in a comment Paul makes, "Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior." Colossians 1:21. That evil behavior that all have engaged in at one time or another (some of us a lot of the time) brings God's judgment upon us. It is that foreboding judgment that incurs the alienation, the need for reconciliation, for peace with God. Unfortunately, some would rather cling to their sin than to be reconciled to God. Any mention of God in their presence is a reminder of the unwise choice they have made and brings rise to a hostility within them. Any mention of Jesus Christ, any mention of anything Judeo-Christian brings offense, ire and an intolerant (and at times belligerent) reaction.
We are told that God elected to save from his judgment all those who would place their trust in him. Man's sin separates us from God and subjects us to his judgment in a fiery lake of burning sulfur. God's love has made a way for us by providing us forgiveness of our sins through Jesus Christ. His death on that cross was payment for our sins. When we embrace him in faith we have his payment for our sins credited to our account in God's court.
What a peace! What a reconciliation!
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!
If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just respond and let me know.
Trevor Fisk
No comments:
Post a Comment