Life

"Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory." (Colossians 3:2-4 NKJ)

In this Colossian narrative, Paul explains the spiritual ramifications of a believer’s experience. A death of the spirit has occurred, yet life continues . . . a life hidden in Christ. Think about that! He is our life! Life has the final say.

Our life is safe with Christ in God. One day soon, he will be revealed as the King of Kings to the whole world. When that revelation occurs, because we are hidden in him, we will also be revealed with him in his glory. What a day that will be!

Life is the final word! As believers, our focus should be on life. Is death a reality? Yes, it is. But the coming resurrection is just as real! And the resurrection of our Lord makes the difference for all eternity. His resurrection is the final word.

With Paul we can say, “I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day. (2Timothy 1:12 NKJ). And so we continue to firmly hold on to the "pattern of sound words" in the faith and love of our Lord and Savior.

Our adversary would distract us with the pain and sorrows of this life. Death is his instrument of fear and bondage, but thanks be unto God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ, we can say, “O death your sting has no power. O grave you have no victory, because death is totally destroyed by Christ’s victory!” [my paraphrase of 1 Corinthians 15:54-55]

Life in Christ Jesus is the final word. Faith in him and hope of the resurrection liberates us from the enemy’s death trap. Songwriter Squire Parsons wrote, “Some call it dreaming. O let me dream on.” Skeptics and unbelievers may laugh at our hope, but it is not a wild-eyed-pie-in-the-sky fantasy. Death is not the final authority. It has been defeated for all eternity. Life through Jesus Christ is the final word!

Dear Father, thank you for hiding us in the life of Jesus Christ. Empower us to so live that when he returns we may meet him in his glory. I pray this in the name of Jesus. AMEN

Live in Christ today,