Paul knows Christ-filled living is not easy. He wants to encourage us with these verses. Believing and trusting in Jesus is the difference between whether we’re dead or alive. That’s the message Paul is confirming for this new congregation.
Being a Christ follower is not for the faint of heart. Paul gives us a concrete example of what we can do to be strong. “Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him.” What an illustration. Can you picture yourself being built on Jesus? What does that look like?
Have you ever seen how trees can fuse together? There’s a name for that. According to Wikipedia, “Inosculation” is a natural phenomenon in which trunks, branches or roots of two trees grow together in a manner biologically similar to the artificial process of grafting. I want to graft myself to Jesus. I want to bring that kind of love to this world.
Paul was also brutally honest when he used the act of circumcision to describe how our sinful natures are “cut away” by Jesus’ blood. Our salvation has absolutely nothing to do with us. We have no role because we are raised to life by God’s power, not our own.
This visual is fantastic when we think of Jesus taking our sins with him to the cross. “In this way, he disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross.” Indeed! We do not need to fear evil for it has no hold on us. Christ “disarmed” evil’s power.
For those who have not found life in Jesus, they are dead. Dead in their sinfulness, shackled by the lies of this world. Their carnal desires and selfish behaviors are keeping them separated from all the joy, peace, not to mention eternal life, that are part of our inheritance as believers in Christ.
Don’t we want them to know they can also enjoy having this inheritance? Jesus can “disarm” the evil spiritual side of this world for them, too. If only they were ready to hear and receive clarity. Your truth, O Lord! Prepare them!
Let’s pray … Yes, God, I pray for those people in this world who do not know the peace and joy you so freely give. I love being alive in you! I am astounded by your love for me and the chances you have given me to get it right. It’s all about what you do, not me. Thank you for how you love and provide for me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
