Our scripture this morning is Colossians 2:13-17.
“You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins. He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross. In this way, he disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross. So don’t let anyone condemn you for what you eat or drink, or for not celebrating certain holy days or new moon ceremonies or Sabbaths. For these rules are only shadows of the reality yet to come. And Christ himself is that reality.”
Paul has a way of teaching that exposes our failures, but then points us to the redemption we have received in Christ. He writes “He canceled the record of the charges against us” (v. 14) and “disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities” (v. 15). He explains that Jesus came as an example of love and forgiveness to us, and as a warning to the powers of this world that God will prevail.
Jesus told us that the world would oppose God’s will and oppress the faithful, but that through His love we are made strong to stand with Him against evil. Now as the body of Christ, we are called to carry on His ministry, empowered by the Holy Spirit to go in His name. The world is in desperate need of His forgiveness.
Are you sometimes embarrassed or afraid to share your faith? That is the world resisting the change that is to come. Don’t let it prevent you from proclaiming the risen savior! As Paul wrote in this passage, “Christ himself is that reality”.
Loving Lord, thank You for forgiving us and calling us back into connection with You. Help us to be faithful servants of Your kingdom, sharing Your love with everyone. Amen.