September 4, 2024
Praying Friends,
Can you imagine living life and spending eternity separated from God? It would be a horrible existence. The reconciling cross-work of Jesus has made it possible for sinners to be brought near and live in harmony with God.
This is how Paul puts it in Colossians 1:19-23 (NIV):
For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. 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. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.
Sometimes we forget that sin is an assault on the character of God. It is hostile to His holy nature.
Think about the reason God had to drive Adam from His presence in the Garden of Eden, or why God had to separate and consume Korah, Dathan, and Abiram when they rose up against God’s leadership in Moses. What is the significance of the Levites being told not to touch the Ark of the Covenant but to carry it with poles on their shoulders?
The reason behind each of these stories along with many more is that God is absolute holiness.
Ultimately, this is why Jesus on the cross suffered so extensively and had to experience the lonely separation, darkness, and eventual death. Sin deeply offends God’s person. If there was to be any hope of togetherness with God or enjoyment of friendship with God, sin would have to be fully, righteously, and adequately removed.
Amazingly and wonderfully, the death of Jesus made it possible!
“The word, ‘to reconcile,’ means literally to exchange, to bring into a changed relationship” (ISBE). Thayer says, “It means to change, or to receive one into favor.”
When it comes to our reconciliation with God, it is important to note that it was we, the sinners, who needed to be reconciled, not God. Yet He did the work necessary to bring the change into effect.
In our Colossians passage, it is interesting to notice that there are two levels of reconciliation. First, Paul talks about the reconciliation of all things on earth and in heaven (verse 20). The blood, the sacrifice of the cross have laid the groundwork for everything to be brought into unity and conformity with the purposes of God. While we don’t see the full effects of that today, there is a day coming when everything in God’s realm will be reconciled to Him and true peace will reign in every heart.
The second use of reconcile is in verses 21 and 22. We, who were estranged and separated from God because of our sin, have now been united to Him through the physical death of His body on the cross. His act of dying has changed our relationship to God, making us holy, blameless, and faultless in His presence.
It is good to dwell on the reality of this truth for long periods of time. Let it sink deep into your mind, heart, and soul. Allow it to be the first thoughts that fill your mind as you rise from sleep and the last before you settle in again at night. When you fall, when you fail, when you disappoint and sin against your God, remember this is your perfect standing before God.
You are holy, blameless, and faultless before the eye of God! The reconciling work of Jesus has accomplished this and made it possible for you to live for Him and with Him in blessed harmony!
The challenge of everyday life is to seek with this mindset to live with peace, unity, and love in our interactions with one another. Maybe you have been hurt by a believer — seek, with God’s help, to be reconciled to him/her. Maybe you have done something or said something that has offended another believer. Go to that person with humility and seek to right the relationship.
God desires that His people live from the truth of reconciliation as we emulate our Savior.
As we pray for prodigals and for revival among us, may our hearts be filled with worship for all that Jesus has done for us.
Love in Christ,
Bryan and Rachel
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