Therefore do not let anyone condemn you in matter of food and drink or of observing festivals, new moons, or sabbaths. These are only a shadow of what is to come, but the substance belongs to Christ. Do not let anyone disqualify you insisting on self-abasement and worship of angels dwelling on visions, puffed up without cause by a human way of thinking, and not holding fast to the head from whom the whole body, nourished and held together by ligaments and sinews, grows with a growth that is from God. (2:16-19)
Let nothing get in the way and weigh you down! The work of Christ has been done and it is everlasting and needs no augmentation...no additions. For many people, the Good News is too good to trust. The unending and unconditional love of God that covers us and makes us God's beloved for no other reason than that is what God wants - even at the great sacrifice of his beloved, Jesus - is complete. Therefore, nothing can threaten that gift. There will be some who will live afraid of everything though. There will be some who will say you cannot drink wine...you must speak in tongues...you cannot celebrate festivals within the culture...you must watch what you eat. In other words, there will be many people who will try to add words and to the one Word of Good News. Another great example of this is the whole focus of the "last days" by many people who claim to follow Jesus. They put so much emphasis on that - on what will happen when you if you're not ready....have you "accepted Jesus" in a certain way...will you be left behind...will you go to hell or heaven, that they forget the unending love of God. Or, could it be this. The love of God takes a back seat to the many ways people try to sow fear into the story. Therefore, the graciousness of the God's Reign of Hope is let go for a message of fear that can grow into hate and into a word that attempts to grab us by threat rather than love. Such a "religion" as this only loves control over other and a illusion of self-control.
Connection: Because we are ruled by the "head" - Christ, Jesus - we are within the realm of the peace of God. That is all we need to see us through this day. This essential word of love will be our guide and our strength and our encouragement. Don't let anyone take that Good News from you.
From the beginning to the end, your gracious Reign holds us and gives us new life within the grasp of your love. Remind us that we are covered by your love, O God, and that this love is the power to knock down all the hellish images that attempt to lure us into lives filled with fear and threats that attempt to make us slaves rather than free in you love. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment