Rescue Mission
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…Ā “For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness Ā and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, Ā in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” Ā Colossians 1:13-14 NIV
Paul writes to these Christians and commends them on embracing faith in Christ. “…we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all Godās peopleāĀ the faith and love that spring from the hope stored up for you in heaven and about which you have already heard in the true message of the gospel Ā that has come to you.” (Colossians 1:4-6 NIV)
The people had experienced a great changed and a new life in Christ. They were demonstrating faith and love that came from an eternal hope. The motivation was not from human origin, but from a divine change and a new life.
Paul talks about their former state. They were in darkness. They were lost and without hope. However, God does not leave us to wander on our own in hopes that we just “figure it out.” Instead He sends His “A” force. His best, Himself through Jesus Christ.
Paul tells of Christ’s supremacy when he declares, “The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.Ā For in him all things were created…” (Colossians 1:15,16 NIV) God’s plan was “to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.” (Colossians 1:20 NIV)
We can rejoice in seeing the creator of all things who gave His life, to create in us a new life with hope. That hope Ā is demonstrated through love and faith that is reflected in lives of those who have been reconciled to Christ.
As Paul reminded the Ephesians, so he encourages the Colossians to fully embrace this new life, not take it for granted and to demonstrate this new life in the way they live.
“We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,Ā so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God,Ā being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience….” (Colossians 1:9-11 NIV)
I recently was watching a “Weather Channel” program that showed a dramatic rescue of a man trapped in his car in the Big Thompson River, in 2013, during our historic floods. The man commented on how his perspective of life and priorities had changed. He realized that he was as “good as dead” but now he was given a new life.
That is exactly the understanding that Paul wants those whom Christ has rescued to view and live their lives.
Prayer for today…Ā Lord, thank You for rescuing us from death and darkness. You have brought us into life and light through Your cross. May our lives reflect Your a lifestyle that comes from the wisdom and understanding the Holy Spirit gives.