Colossians 2:6-15— Paul exhorts his people to live in Christ in whom dwells the fullness
of God. We live on earth only once and almost everyone wants to get as much out
of life as possible. But how do you achieve a happy and fulfilling life?
Your life in Christ is centered in your baptism.
Luther has said, “There is on earth no greater comfort than baptism.” Aimless
wanderers- that is what many individuals appear to be today in our world. They
have no direction, no purpose, no solid basis for living. At times we all may
even ask, “Where is life leading me?” In
the midst of this questioning comes good news. In Jesus we are more than
wanderers.
Verse 7 is a key verse. Paul encourages “be rooted in Christ.” To be “rooted” in Christ is to be circumcised
in Christ. Circumcision was a sign of entering a covenant with God. Baptism is
the Christian’s circumcision; we enter into a covenant with Christ. Now we are
His, we belong to Him; we live under Him as our Lord and Savior.
“Be built up in
Christ.” In Vs.12 Paul says we are buried and rise with Christ in Baptism. We
die to self and are risen a new creation. The new creation is now a process of
being raised even higher into the fullness of Christ.
“Have faith in
Christ”. Believe in Jesus as the One
in whom dwells the fullness of God.
Finally, St. Paul encourages us to “give thanks.” Christians give thanks to God for Jesus. For Jesus freed us from the curse of the Law by nailing the Law to the cross. From this we have forgiveness. Also, give thanks for Jesus’ victory over the power s of evil. Because of Jesus, we are free from din, death and the evil powers of this world.
For an answer to prayer; Almighty God, You have promised to hear the
petitions of those who ask in Your Son’s name. Mercifully incline Your ears to
us who have now made our prayers and supplications to You, and grant that those
things that we have faithfully asked according to Your will we may receive to
meet our need and bring glory to Your; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.[2]
Collect for
Thursday of the week of Pentecost 7: O
Jesus Christ, the mirror of all gentleness of mind, the example of highest
obedience and patience, grant me your servant true devotion to consider how
you, innocent and undefiled Lamb were bound, taken, and hauled away to death
for my sins how well content you were to suffer such things, not opening your
mouth in impatience, but willingly offering yourself unto death. O gracious
God, how vilely were you mishandled for my sake! O Lord, let this never come out
of my heart. Take away my heart’s coldness and sloth, stir up love and fervency
toward you, provoke me to earnest prayer and make me cheerful and diligent in
your will. – Miles Coverdale (1488-1568) [3]
[1]
Lift High the Cross copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things
[2]Collect
for an answer to prayer, Lutheran Service Book, © 2006 Concordia Publishing
House, St. Louis
[3][3]
Collect for Thursday of the week of Pentecost 7, For All the Saints, A Prayer
Book For and By the Church, Vol. II © 1995 The American Lutheran Publicity
Bureau, Delhi, NY
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