Raised in Glory

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Scripture: Colossians 3:1-4 (ESV)

If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. 3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

Devotion:

            Today’s scripture encourages us in our daily walk with Christ. Paul proclaims that our new life in Jesus has already begun in some sense. Therefore, we are to seek the things that are from heaven since we have already won the victory over sin and death. This is true whether we feel particularly victorious or not. We are called to be seekers after Christ. We must receive from him the ultimate prize a new life with Christ in heaven.

            This scripture reinforces the truth we must confess. That Christ has been raised from the dead and is in heaven waiting for us to arrive. Failure to cling to this truth results in a weak faith that cannot stand in times of testing. The time of testing is here. The world rejects our risen savior and looks for salvation in other places if it looks for salvation at all. We must remain steadfast in our proclamation that Jesus died for our sins and was raised that we may have new life in him.

            Paul says in this passage that we have all died a kind of death so that we are already seated with Christ in heaven. We must hold fast to that hope. It is a wonderful promise from God. Our salvation is already finished. While we will still struggle with sin every day in this earthly life, we can remain faithful because we know that we have a place reserved for us with God in Christ. That all we need to do is confess before men and believe in our hearts that Jesus was raised from the dead and this new life is ours.

            How then should we live? Each day we should begin by praising God for another day of life. We must be in God’s word daily reading and applying the scriptures to our daily lives. And as today’s scripture tells us we are to set our minds on heavenly things. We must set our minds on things that are good, true, and beautiful. We should meditate on all the good gifts that God gives to us. Let us come before God with our praises, thanksgiving, and our requests.

Prayer:

            Glory to you Lord. We lift your name up. We magnify your name each day. Grant us the ability and freedom to praise your holy name. May we be a people who worship you in spirit and in truth today. You have saved us from this wretched world. Help us to be a good and faithful witness in this world every day. Teach us your truth that we may speak the truth to the world. Amen.

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