Together in Christ: 'More than Rescued' — Colossians 1:13-14

Tuesday, October 8, 2024

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For [God, our Father,] has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins.
— Colossians 1:13-14 NLT

Key Thought

Paul tells the Colossians that they not only have been rescued from dark powers but they also have been transferred into Jesus' glorious Kingdom! Their rescue — and ours — was a costly rescue, but one that Jesus lovingly did because He wanted us in the Father's family. [1]

I believe the Lord has two essential messages for each of us as implications of these truths:

  1. You and I are precious to God. Jesus is glorious and had all power but engaged the worst of humanity and hell to deliver us from darkness and transfer us into the light of God's life and love. The glorious Creator and Sustainer of all things voluntarily gave Himself to rescue each of us. [2] We are, as the old song says, "precious in His sight" because "Jesus loves the little children of the world!" [3] So, rather than believing the destructive, accusatory, self-blaming thoughts the devil puts into our hearts, let's hear who Jesus says you are: "You are precious!"
     
  2. Since I am that precious to Jesus, so are the brothers and sisters in Christ around me. I need to treat them, talk about them, speak to them, love them, and bless them as someone precious to God. Jesus died to rescue and transfer them into His family just as He did for me. My attitude, behaviors, and interactions with them must show that I love them as Jesus does [4] and that I accept them as part of my forever family in Jesus.
     
[1] Philippians 2:5-11; Matthew 12:50; Ephesians 1:5.
[2] Colossians 1:15-23.
[3] From the song, "Jesus Loves the Little Children," by George Frederick Root.
[4] John 13:34-35; 1 John 3:16-18, 4:7-12. Just a few examples of how we must demonstrate our love for each other are in these passages: John 13:12-15; 1 Thessalonians 5:11-15; Matthew 7:1-2, 12, 25:31-40; 1 Corinthians 13:4-6; Colossians 3:12-17; Philippians 2:1-4 NIV; Romans 12:13-19; Ephesians 4:23-32.

Today's Prayer

O Father, how can I thank You enough for the gracious way You have loved me and included me in Your family? Please know I love You and deeply appreciate Your grace and love. And, dear Lord, I commit to love my brothers and sisters in Christ as you have loved me. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Colossians 1:15-23
  • Philippians 2:5-11

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Illustration

Illustration of Colossians 1:13-14 NLT — For [God, our Father,] has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins.

About This Devotional

Together in Christ is a daily devotional that focuses on what Scripture teaches about godly living in relationships.

'Together in Christ' is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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