Resurrection Strength

Colossians 3:3-4 “Your old life is dead. Your new life, which is your real life—even though invisible to spectators—is with Christ in God. He is your life. When Christ (your real life, remember) shows up again on this earth, you’ll show up, too—the real you, the glorious you.”

A few years ago, when archaeologists began excavating in the courtyard of a medieval monastery, they found seeds that had been dormant for more than 400 years that had begun to grow. King Henry VIII had closed the monastery in 1539, and herbs tended by the monks died. But they sprouted to life again after the archaeologists disturbed the earth.

The issue for many regarding the New Life that Christ offers, is that it can be quite disturbing. One writer contemplating these verses from Colossians suggest that Christians live in faith between the Already and Not Yet.

We live in a theological tension. By faith in Christ, all of the spiritual blessings are ours already, but the full enjoyment of these blessings is not yet ours. This is the life of faith: “the assurance of things hoped for” in the future, and “the conviction of things not seen” in the present (Hebrews 11:1). This is life between the times.

Television makeover shows have become very popular. Whether it is a home, a car, or a person. It seems people love to see things transformed. 

Have you ever thought about how you could be changed yourself?  Maybe some have considered cosmetic surgery where the difference can be profound. Ugly can be made beautiful. But for how long? Live in a house for a period without tending to the necessary repair and it will return to its previous state of disrepair.  Put enough miles on a car and it will end up in the scrap yard.  And no amount of cosmetic surgery will overcome the effects bad eating and lifestyle habits. 

By contrast, New Life in Christ can mean what we will become is not susceptible to decay, disrepair, destruction, or dilapidation. The stale is made fresh and it stays fresh. The unattractive becomes beautiful and it stays beautiful. The undesirable becomes wanted and is always wanted. The worthless becomes more precious than gold and it will always be precious. 

Heavenly Father, thank You that my life is hid with Christ in You. As I die to self and live for Christ, may my life reflect Your love, gentleness, compassion, and truth. In Jesus' name, AMEN