Embracing The Challenge.

Last week I taught the book of Colossians and it is filled with the imagery and the message that Jesus reigns supreme over all things in creation. This morning we are making our way through the book of Hebrews and the author of Hebrews (whoever they may be) continues with this message and reiterates what Paul wrote in Colossians.

Hebrews 1:1-4 “Long ago God spoke to our ancestors in many and various ways by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by a Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom he also created the worlds. He is the reflection of God’s glory and the exact imprint of God’s very being, and he sustains all things by his powerful word. When he had made purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much superior to angels as the name he inherited is more excellent than theirs.”

I love that. Jesus is the heir of all things, the reflection of God’s glory and the exact imprint of God’s very being and he is the one who sustains all things by his powerful word. There is nothing better or more powerful than Him and he is my Savior. This same message is presented in Colossians 1:15-23 and it is proof that Jesus was powerful enough to rescue us from our sin and do what he said he would do. And to that all I can say is “Amen.”

This morning and this message of Jesus’ supremacy reminds me of my favorite part of Colossians. In Colossians 3:1-2 Paul presents a challenge to the Colossian church. He states, “So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.”

Paul is stating that if the church truly does believe that the gospel is true, if Jesus has done what he said he would do, if you honestly believe he was powerful enough to rescue us from the power of darkness; then you will seek the things of Jesus and not the things of this world. I take this as a challenge Paul is presenting to the Colossian church. He is telling them to stop, to be completely honest with themselves and determine where they stand on this issue because this issue is the one that will change everything about your life.

If we do believe the gospel is true and we embrace the challenge to set our minds on the things of Jesus, then that affects the way we live. It affects the way we love those around us. It affects the way we spend our time. It affects what we do with our money. It should change what we see as important and unimportant.  It should change your attitude at your work place. It should change the way we see the world.

I have gotten a lot of mileage out of this challenge over the past 3 weeks. It has come to mind in times when I don’t want to love or serve those around me, and it has motivated me to realize that the things of Jesus are more important and take precedent over my desires, my rights and my fears. It is a challenge that is further sanctifying me to become like the one if love.  

The challenge that Paul presents is good and I hope that it is one that inspires you to follow him more faithfully.