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 2:19,
"They have lost connection with the head [Jesus Christ], from whom the whole body, supported and held together by its ligaments and sinews, grows as God causes it to grow."
Perhaps it is painfully obvious, but I can't help but point out that you can only lose something you had. Paul speaks of folks who had a connection with Jesus Christ and have now lost that connection.
I am not saying, as Paul does not, that they have lost Jesus Christ and therefore a salvation that was once theirs. I firmly believe there is plenty of Scriptural support for the truth that God will faithfully see we enter into our resurrection with him once we have embraced him in faith. See 1 Corinthians 1:8-9.
What Paul points to here is there is always the potential we can become side-tracked, side-lined, unproductive for the Lord and unprofitable for the gospel enterprise by engaging in those things that cause us to lose our connection with the Lord. Shockingly, it is religion Paul points to! Unfortunately, some folks for whatever reason, are compelled to engage in religious activities, disciplines, forms of "worship" and so on that eventually displace that firm connection with Jesus Christ that was established in that pristine moment of faith when the Lord was first embraced by the believer.
Paul observes the regulations fostered by an impulse to "go religious" have "an appearance of wisdom" but really lack value when it comes to "restraining sensual indulgence", the assumed motivation for doing so. Colossians 2:23. Paul's prescription is to drop the religion, which appears to include portions of Mosaic law as well as the many things that have crept into the church over the years (what seemed like a good idea at the time, and may have even arisen for the best of intentions.)
Paul does not simply leave us there. In addition to dropping the religion, he tells his listeners to set their hearts and minds on things above, that is, Jesus Christ, seated at the right hand of God. This is what extends and maintains that wonderful connection with Jesus Christ we first had when we responded to the gospel message. This is what holds value for "restraining sensual indulgence." This is the path to spiritual growth and maturity. This is where we find strength in a time of need, encouragement in difficulty, renewal of hope in our much anticipated resurrection.
May we all drop the religion and set our hearts and minds on Jesus Christ, seated in heaven at the right hand of God!
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.
No comments:
Post a Comment