Victory!

Colossians 2:9-15

This is a passage you should read aloud - with great enthusiasm.  Despite what it might look like in your life on any given day, the battle is won - Jesus is the victor.  For  those of us who have accepted him as Lord and Savior, we are redeemed for all eternity.

Look at these promises:

• In Christ, you have been brought to fullness (v. 9)
• God made you alive in Christ (v. 13)
• He forgave you all your sins (v. 13)
• He has triumphed over all the powers and authorities by the cross (v. 15).

Ah, verse 15 - by the cross.  He didn't achieve this great victory with military might, or political power.  He did it by the cross.  

And he died on the cross so we can live.  As we have said many times in the Daily Bible Blast, we can't earn eternal life.  We all know that intellectually.  But, again and again, we try to earn it.  To impress Jesus with our good works so that he says, 'okay, Elaine, you're worthy.  I'm going to open heaven's gate for you now."

No, he said that He brings me to fullness.  He makes me alive in Christ.  He forgives all my sins.  He triumphs over all earthly authorities and powers.

It was not easy to be a Christian when Paul wrote this letter to the church as Colossia.  Persecution was a daily experience for them - jail, beatings, suffering.  And yet the church grew, and people came to faith daily.  

Are you experiencing suffering?  Physical, mental, emotional?  Take your burdens to Jesus - lay them at the cross.  He may not end your suffering, but he will give you the grace to endure it.  And, ultimately, he will come again, and "he will wipe every tear from your eyes.  There will be no more death or mourning or crying or paid, for the old order of things has passed away. (Revelation 21:4)"

Dear Lord, Lent is a time of reflection and thanks for what you did on the cross.  Thank you for the gift of eternal life.  Help me to rejoice in my eternal salvation, and to share that good news with others.  Amen.