Colossians 1:19–23 Rest in His peace!!

Peace, God’s peace, given to us in Christ Jesus, is love beyond our understanding. 

Ephesians 3:17 that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love,

John 1:16 And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace.

The Comforter who seemed "far" from human suffering in Lamentations 1:16 has now drawn near ... so near that He actually became a human Himself: Jesus. He is "God with us" (Matthew 1:23), even in our grief. 

"Jesus wept" (John 11:35). These two words form the shortest verse in the Bible yet communicate the immense compassion Jesus has for His people.

Jesus wept when His friend Lazarus died (John 11:33-35).

Jesus wept for the suffering and sins of Jerusalem before it would be destroyed again (Luke 19:41-44).

Jesus wept in His own suffering (Hebrews 5:7).

Jesus was acquainted with sorrow and the deepest grief (Isaiah 53:3). 

God is with us in all our suffering. First5

We are, every one of us, on a journey (process) that can be beautiful and messy, exhilarating and confusing. And we are derailed when we are unable to trust or embrace this journey from a place of not knowing.  A place of uncertainty. A place without closure. A place of risk and discomfort.

And yet, here’s the good news: a place of exquisite grace-filled beauty.

At home, in the embrace of grace. Sabbath Moments 

Dear God, Grant us the strength to embrace solitude and feel worthy of our own company. Help us also be instruments of healing and hope for others as well. Amen. (Maria Shriver)

Colossians 1:19–23

19 For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, 20 and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross. 21 And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled 22 in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight—23 if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard, which was preached to every creature under heaven, of which I, Paul, became a minister. The New King James Version

Paul used the term fullness to refer to the complete embodiment of God. Christ is the only Intercessor for human beings and fully embodies all of God’s nature. No other intermediary, whether person or group, is able to stand in our place before the Father. Only Jesus can do this. 

He has reconciled shows the significance of Christ’s work on the Cross. It does not mean that all people will be saved, since many passages clearly say that unbelievers will suffer eternal separation from God. The work of Christ will overthrow the damage effected by the Fall and change all of creation from a position of enmity to a relationship of peace and friendship. 

The false teachers at Colosse were telling the believers that redemption could only be accomplished through a spiritual being. They rejected Christ’s incarnation. According to them, Jesus could not have had a physical body. Thus Paul uses two terms, body and flesh, to clearly state that Christ became man and experienced a physical death.

We who were once enemies of God and alienated by our own wicked works will one day be presented as above reproach on account of Christ’s death for us. 

The perseverance of the Colossians was proof of the reconciling work of Christ on their behalf. The NKJV Study Bible

All the fullness dwells in Him refers to God being fully present in Christ. Consequently, Christ is sufficient for the Colossians’ salvation. 

The Gospel of John describes Christ as the tabernacle or the dwelling of God (John 1:14)—an allusion that demonstrates the continuity between God’s presence among the Israelites and His presence in the person of Christ.

The Greek word used here, apokatallassō, for reconcile refers to the act of restoring a relationship to harmony. The purpose of Christ’s death on the cross was to bring all things created by Christ and for Christ into harmonious relationship.

The Colossians cannot claim responsibility for their status before God; no human tradition or rule made them holy. Rather, Christ’s work of reconciliation brought them into relationship with God, making them holy. 

Paul seems to be acknowledging that the Colossians are at a crossroads. He charges them to continue trusting in Christ and living out the gospel message. However, they must refuse to observe the rules and traditions of false teachings, which threaten to lead them in a different direction. They must remember that faith in Christ is not simply a way of entering God’s kingdom—it is the way of life within the kingdom. Faithlife Study Bible

Romans 5:10 For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.

2 Corinthians 5:18–19 Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation.

Mark 6:34 God is full of mercy and compassion

We have a Savior that cares about our life. Jesus encountered all  of the emotions that we encounter. He wept. He was tempted. He loved. because of them He had empathy.

Jesus  is God but He understands our weakness.  

In all things we can come boldly to the Throne of Grace where we find our beloved mediator waiting for us to enter.

Philippians 4:6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

We can entrust Him with our lives and the lives of our families. 

Beloved Presence on my path of life,
thank you for the footprints left on my heart:
the soft and gentle ones that brought comfort,
the deep and lasting ones of enduring friendship,
the lightly passing ones conveying kindness,
the heavy ones causing necessary change,
and the impressionable footprints swept away by time.
Even though lost, forgotten, or not recognized,
these visitors have led me to live more fully
the innate goodness residing deep within me.
How grateful I am.
Abundant peace,
Joyce Rupp

I’ll give Maria Popova the final word, “Presence is far more intricate and rewarding an art than productivity. Ours is a culture that measures our worth as human beings by our efficiency, our earnings, our ability to perform this or that. The cult of productivity has its place, but worshipping at its altar daily robs us of the very capacity for joy and wonder that makes life worth living — for, as Annie Dillard memorably put it, “how we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives.” SabbathMoments 

Mark 6:34

34 And Jesus, when He came out, saw a great multitude and was moved with compassion for them, because they were like sheep not having a shepherd. So He began to teach them many things. The New King James Version

The Gospels record several times that when Jesus saw a need He was moved with compassion. That compassion led to action. The NKJV Study Bible

Christ notices the frights of some, and the toils of others of his disciples, and provides rest for those that are tired, and refuge for those that are terrified. Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Matthew 9:36 But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd.

1 Kings 22:17 Then he said, “I saw all Israel scattered on the mountains, as sheep that have no shepherd. And the LORD said, ‘These have no master. Let each return to his house in peace.’ ”

2 Chronicles 18:16 Then he said, “I saw all Israel scattered on the mountains, as sheep that have no shepherd. And the LORD said, ‘These have no master. Let each return to his house in peace.’ ”

Luke 18:15-17 God can work wonders with our childlike faith

God’s protects those who have a childlike  faith in Him.

Matthew 18:3 and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.

When we are at our weakest, in our ability to protect ourselves, He is the strongest in our life. We need to let go and let God handle it.

God keep you from a bad relationship? Protect you from the wrong job? 2 Thessalonians 3:3 (NIV) says, “He will strengthen and protect you.” And Psalm 91:11 (NIV) reminds us, “God will command his angels…to guard you.” God protects you with a cloak of love.

Here’s what love says: 1 Peter 4:8 (NIV) says, “Love covers a multitude of sins.” Love doesn’t expose. It doesn’t gossip. If love says anything, it speaks words of protection.

Do you know anyone who needs protection? Of course you do. Then give some. Pay a gas bill for a struggling elderly couple. Make sure your divorced friends are invited to parties. Promise your kids that, God being your helper, they’ll never know a hungry day or a homeless night. In Matthew 25:40 (NIV) Jesus says, “I tell you the truth, anything you did for even the least of my people here, you also did for me.” Max Lucado

Matthew 19:13 Then little children were brought to Him that He might put His hands on them and pray, but the disciples rebuked them. 14 But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” 15 And He laid His hands on them and departed from there. The New King James Version

In this short scene, Jesus welcomes children and lays His hands on them in prayer as a sign of blessing. Faithlife Study Bible

It is well for us, that Christ has more love and tenderness in him than the best of his disciples have. And let us learn of him not to discountenance any willing, well-meaning souls, in their seeking after Christ, though they are but weak. Those who are given to Christ, as part of his purchase, he will in no wise cast out. Therefore he takes it ill of all who forbid, and try to shut out those whom he has received. And all Christians should bring their children to the Saviour that he may bless them with spiritual blessings.  Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Mark 10:13 Then they brought little children to Him, that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked those who brought them. 14 But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. 15 Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.” 16 And He took them up in His arms, laid His hands on them, and blessed them. The New King James Version

Jesus now teaches about children and faith. Faithlife Study Bible

Children exhibit sincerity, eagerness, a trusting attitude, and total dependence on their parents. Thus childlikeness is a fitting comparison for the qualities a disciple should have. The NKJV Study Bible

Children should be directed to the Saviour as soon as they are able to understand his words. Also, we must receive the kingdom of God as little children; we must stand affected to Christ and his grace, as little children to their parents, nurses, and teachers. Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Luke 18:15 Then they also brought infants to Him that He might touch them; but when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them. 16 But Jesus called them to Him and said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. 17 Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.”  The New King James Version

Jesus likely makes this comparison to illustrate humility. In the Graeco-Roman world, children were viewed as having a low status. Faithlife Study Bible

The disciples assumed that Jesus was too important and too busy for children.

Jesus used the thoughtlessness of His disciples to make two points: (1) All people, even little children, are important to God. (2) The kingdom of God consists of those who respond to Him with the trust that a little child gives to a parent. The NKJV Study Bible

None are too little, too young, to be brought to Christ, who knows how to show kindness to those not capable of doing service to him. It is the mind of Christ, that little children should be brought to him. The promise is to us, and to our seed; therefore He will bid them welcome to him with us. And we must receive his kingdom as children, not by purchase, and must call it our Father’s gift. Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Mark 10:13–16 Then they brought little children to Him, that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked those who brought them. But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God…

Matthew 19:13–15 Then little children were brought to Him that He might put His hands on them and pray, but the disciples rebuked them. But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.”…

1 Peter 2:2 as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby,

Character matters

All sins can be forgiven mankind except for blaspheme of Holy Spirit. We must be very careful not to call  evil good nor good evil! 

character matters

I do know this: If I “wake up to this life,” I may not like what I see. My confession: hurry and distraction have always served a purpose.

I write about sanctuary, but frankly, there is something oddly satisfying in the rush. And yes, even (oddly), the stress.

Maybe I’m afraid, that if I stop, if I slow down and unplug, where will I find my meaning? What if someone told me (and this is indeed the scandal of Grace) that everything I am ever going to “amount to”, I already am right now?

We’ve missed the point if we don’t see that unplugging and refueling is a laboratory for forgiveness, which begins with self-forgiveness. An invitation to befriend your scattered and wounded self.

Grace, it turns out, is WD40 for the soul. 

Mahatma Gandhi spilled a lot of light in our world. And we sometimes forget the grounding and healing power of sanctuary in “light spilling.”

You see, Ghandi spent a good deal of time at his spinning wheel. Yes, he enjoyed spinning, but it was more than that. He talked about his wheel as the place—the space—where he could remove himself from the pressing demands and issues of the day. A place where he could be centered, calm, rejuvenated. It was his sanctuary. His sacred space.

Where is your sanctuary?

Sabbath Moments 

“God's love doesn't seek value, it creates value.  It is not because we have value that we are loved, but because we are loved that we have value.  Our value is a gift, not an achievement.” William Sloane Coffin

Inhale: I will not be silenced by fear.
Exhale: A quivering voice is still sacred.
Inhale: God, my soul trembles.
Exhale: Steady me in your arms.
Inhale: I will meet this fear with rest.
Exhale: God, steady me in your arms.
(Cole Arthur Riley, Black Liturgies: Prayers, Poems, and Meditations for Staying Human)

John 2:1–5 unwavering FAITH

Mary knew that what she was foretold of her son was true and her faith in God to do His will in her live was complete. 

Mary had faith in the Son and that kind of unwavering faith can move mountains.

By faith, without seeing, we believe in Jesus Christ as the sovereign gift of God and the only way to the Father. This is salvation.

1 Timothy 2:5 For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave Himself a ransom for all,

Colossians 1:14 15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.

Ephesians 3:9 9 and to make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden in God who created all things through Jesus Christ

Colossians 2:8 Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. 9 For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; 10 and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.

John 14:7 “If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; and from now on you know Him and have seen Him.”

Jesus willingly became the mediator between God and mankind. 

Hebrews 1:1 God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, 2 has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds; 3 who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,

But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. 'The LORD is my portion,' says my soul, 'therefore I will hope in him. '" Lamentations 3:21-24 First5

Paul reminded the church at Corinth the kind of love Christ offers to us: agape love that “bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things” (1 Corinthians 13:7 NKJV). Max Lucado

John 2:1–5 (NKJV): the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. 2 Now both Jesus and His disciples were invited to the wedding. 3 And when they ran out of wine, the mother of Jesus said to Him, “They have no wine.”4 Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does your concern have to do with Me? My hour has not yet come.”5 His mother said to the servants, “Whatever He says to you, do it.”

Wine was an essential part of the diet in the ancient world. Drinking wine symbolized peace and prosperity but excessive drinking and drunkenness were condemned. In the OT, wine was a symbol of covenantal blessing, which the prophets associated with a time of future abundance.

The host was responsible for providing wine throughout the wedding feast, which typically lasted seven days. Running out of wine at the wedding could have had a devastating social and financial impact for the hosts. The wedding celebration had an element of reciprocity that was supported by the law. One could take legal action against a guest who failed to provide an appropriate gift.

The Greek text here literally reads, “what is that to me and you?” Jesus is likely petitioning His mother to consider whether the request is really the type of thing He should be addressing with His power; He probably wants her to consider His purpose. By notifying Jesus of the problem, Mary obviously expected Him to intervene. She knew Jesus was able to take care of the problem.

Faithlife Study Bible

The third day refers to the third day from the last day mentioned. To walk from where John was baptizing to Cana would probably have taken three days. Cana was about four and a half miles northwest of Nazareth. 

The wording of the text, the mother of Jesus was there … Jesus and His disciples were invited, suggests that Jesus and His disciples were invited because of Mary. Her forwardness in asking Jesus to help when the wine ran out may indicate that she was in some way related to the family holding the wedding.

Hospitality in the east was a sacred duty. A wedding feast often lasted for a week. To run out of wine at such an important event would have been humiliating for the bride and groom. The family of Jesus was not wealthy, and it is likely their relatives and acquaintances were not either.

Woman was a term of respectful address. My hour has not yet come seems to mean that the time for Jesus to publicly work miracles, declaring Himself the Messiah, had not yet come. Jesus’ response to Mary seems to have been a refusal to do anything about the situation. Yet she seemed to expect Him to do something. Perhaps something in the tone of Jesus’ voice let Mary know that He would grant her request. The NKJV Study Bible

John 19:25–26 Now there stood by the cross of Jesus His mother, and His mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus therefore saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing by, He said to His mother, “Woman, behold your son!”