Thursday 25 January 2007

Today we are still looking at what it is to be a part of this life in Christ - from Colossians.

And when you were dead in trespasses and uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive together with him, when he forgave us all our trespasses, erasing the record that stood against us with its legal demands. He set this aside, nailing it to the cross. He disarmed the rulers and authorities and made a public example of them, triumphing over them in it. (2:13-15)

When we were completely dependent on what we could do and how we have been marked in the world - might be another way to look at this text. When our way was the way that lead to nothing but life as it is or life that depends on whether or not we have gone through the proper rite, God acts and makes things new. It is so important for us to remember that God acted and God acts and God is the one who sets us up into new life. It is a gift. It is as real as the life of the Christ - Jesus. It is a gracious gift that demands nothing but the fact that all things have been covered for us by our God...all things! Any news that is less than this announcement of God's unconditional action that sets the stage and the way for our lives is not news about the God who can and does rescue/redeemer all people. The powers of this world (secular and religious) want to maintain authority and power over us. They want to have a say as to who we are and what will be our life. In the execution of Jesus and then God's action that raises him from the dead demonstrates to all the powers that they are impotent to the power of God to redeem/rescue all things. It is so sad to hear even religious voices clinging to ways to control or make people conform rather than letting God's gracious action act among us - bringing us into new life - bridging the gap for us - making us alive when we have been trying to live along the pathways of the powers of death.

Connection: Erase the record! That is not only the action of our God. We are invited to live as though it has happened and will always happen as our God continues to have the Spirit transform us from day to day.

We give you thanks, O God, for as you forgive us and point us into the life you have already made rich with your love, we are being liberated daily so that we may play in the fields of your blessed Reign. Guide us in the day of renewal and hope. Amen.