RECONCILED

“Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now He has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in His sight, without blemish and free from accusation—if you continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel.”  Colossians 1:21-23a

          For those of us who are Christians, it is no secret that we were living against God’s plan for us prior to our conversion.  We never would have classified ourselves as God’s enemies, but that is exactly what we were because of our behavior. Receiving God’s gracious gift of redemption is supposed to cause a radical change in us.  No longer do we crave the things of this world.  When God removes our sins our mind should begin to set itself on the things of the Lord. Christ’s work on the cross has brought about reconciliation between God and man.  Not only have your sins been removed from us forever and all time, but we are now seen by God as holy and righteous.  We are not literally holy and righteous, but are seen that way by God because we are seen through a veil of Christ’s blood.  We stand free from every blemish and all accusations.  These things stay in place IF we continue on in our faith.

          Too many folks dabble in this whole ‘Jesus thing’.  They twist and turn scripture to suit their taste, believing what seems palatable and easy to swallow.  God’s precepts are not suggestions that can be either followed or not followed depending on how you feel about them.  They are universally fair and just and shall never change.  This world is in a constant state of flux, with changes coming so fast one can hardly keep up with them.  God presents a game plan that provides consistency.  Following it to the best of our ability with the help of the Holy Spirit will bring us peace.  Trusting the Lord will establish in us hope for all our tomorrows.

          Do not allow daily frustrations or unanswered prayers to cause you to turn from the hope you have believed in.  God is never late and His delays are not denials.  There is no reason to believe that God will not answer your request, as long as it lines up with His word and will for your life.  If you insist on having things your way, God will oblige (1 Samuel 8).  But not all things are beneficial for us.  God knows what we need and also knows that if we follow His path, remaining under His umbrella of grace, we will remain faithful to our call.  Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!

Resource: The Reformation Study Bible.