Being God’s New Creation

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Scripture: Colossians 1:21-23 (The Message)

You yourselves are a case study of what he does. At one time you all had your backs turned to God, thinking rebellious thoughts of him, giving him trouble every chance you got. But now, by giving himself completely at the Cross, actually dying for you, Christ brought you over to God’s side and put your lives together, whole, and holy in his presence. You don’t walk away from a gift like that! You stay grounded and steady in that bond of trust, constantly tuned in to the Message, careful not to be distracted or diverted. There is no other Message—just this one. Every creature under heaven gets this same Message,

Devotion:

            In this passage we have Paul speaking to the believers among the Colossians. He repeats the Gospel story of their salvation. It is, however, not just their story it is also ours. For we who believe were all in rebellion against God either openly or in the secret recesses of our hearts. We have all failed to love God with our whole hearts or be thankful for the many provisions God has made. Since he makes the rain to fall on both the just and unjust, we mistook his common grace as approval of our lifestyle of sin. Fortunately, we have heard his call and repented of our former acts which were done in ignorance of his great saving work on the cross.

             What Jesus did there on that cross was magnificent. Our lives were transferred from a life of sin and rebellion into a life of holiness and obedience by the power of God displayed in the death, and resurrection of Jesus. If we are truly changed by Him, we will feel a new Spirit living within us. One that seeks to please God at all times. All that is new within us is a gift of God’s grace totally unearned and undeserved.

            If we have truly received Jesus as our Savior and Lord, then there is no going back to our old ways. We know that we can trust God with our whole lives. We stay tuned to God’s word and listen to his voice in scripture. Knowing that we need not look elsewhere for God’s provision for we but can stay grounded in His great love for us. We are not chasing after the latest fads and fancies that the world may put before us because we know that what God provides us will really satisfy our needs.

            Therefore, let us be thankful that we have received such a great salvation. Let us declare in praise and prayer the wonderful things that God has done for us.

Prayer:

            O Lord, we magnify and exalt your name together today. You have taken us from a life of darkness and sin into your wonderful kingdom of light and love. We just give our total thanksgiving to you for the salvation of our souls which you accomplished on the cross and in your resurrection. We thank you for the Holy Spirit which lives in each of us that we may glorify you with our words and deeds. Teach us to be wise in dealing with a world that for the most part doesn’t know you and doesn’t care to know you. May this world come to know you through us. Amen

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