Today’s readings.. (Ezra 10), (Hosea 11), (Colossians 2)

Verse 6 of Colossians ch. 2 jumped out at us this morning!   It is surprising how often in doing the Bible readings one’s mind is captured by something one seems to have missed before.  This verse is brief and to the point, it reads, “Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him.”  Paul is telling the Colossians, if we expand his meaning a little, – that – first – “you received” – Jesus, believing in him, accepting him as your saviour – but then what?  The answer seems obvious and natural – you “walk in him.”

Receiving him cannot be a passive thing, we cannot say, ‘I believe’ and then nothing changes in what dominates our thought processes and resultant actions. Paul is not in Colosse physically, but he says, ” though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ.” [v.5]  Our faith must develop a “firmness”. 

We will read next month that powerful first chapter of James’ letter where he writes, “the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.   And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” [v.3,4]

May we all aim to become “perfect and complete” in our relationship with our Lord, and through him, with our Creator, becoming fully conscious of how ‘in him we live and move and have our being” [Acts 17 v.28] so that when that day comes, and how soon that could be, when the Bridegroom comes will we be ready for the wedding feast? (Matt25:10)  “so let us walk in him.”