​Week 25, Day 3

​Week 25, Day 3
June 22, 2022
Scripture: Colossians 1
 
“For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” (Colossians 1:13–14)
 
If you would like a quick summary of the Gospel I try to preach, this is it, “For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”  Jesus preached this message, throughout his ministry, “Repent, for the kingdom of God is at hand.” It’s what John the Baptist preached during his ministry and Jesus continued that message following the ministry of John the Baptist. People were called to believe in something that was going to fundamentally change the world. A new ruler, the Messiah, was coming, and this kingdom would be unlike any kingdom that existed before. The hearts of those who belong to the kingdom would be changed, forever. The law would not be written on tablets to be broken, rather, hearts that would continuously be changed. 
This kingdom would be on Jesus’ mind quite frequently. He would teach about it and help people see it’s true worth, its unconventional approach, starting small, with humble beginnings. It would be a kingdom worth giving up everything for a life within it.
 
Paul takes the ministry of Jesus, all that he accomplishes and teaches us that we are rescued from the dominion of darkness, and now belong to the Kingdom of the Son.
 
It can be hard for us to understand all of this, or find each day that we live in this kingdom. But this is the work of Paul, to help us keep growing in the knowledge of Christ and realize that he reigns today. He is the first and the last, the beginning and the end. He was with God in the beginning, he reigns today. And this King, is the head over the church. Jesus leads and reigns over us.
 
This encouragement is much needed in our world today. It feels like we are ruled over by the kingdom and dominion of darkness. But Paul most assuredly believes that we are no longer dominated by darkness and death. We live in Christ and have life in Him!
 
You have life in Jesus!
 
Spend time today, thanking God that he has rescued you. His rescue is true, you are loved, and you have life in His kingdom today!
 
That’s some really great news!