Reality CheckShembull

The truth of Jesus’ pre-eminence is what drives the letter to the Colossians. Paul wants the church to know and experience the centrality of Jesus as the reality that drives everything that we do. Jesus isn’t just a part of the Gospel message where we need to believe in Him, be saved by Him, and then move on to ‘higher’, more ‘spiritual’ truths. A wise pastor once said that we never graduate from the Gospel. We are saved by Jesus, and then for the rest of our lives we live to find the riches of the treasures of all wisdom and knowledge found in Him. John Newton, the pastor who wrote the famous song Amazing Grace, wrote hundreds of letters to friends, family, and members of his church. In one he wrote the following: “All I can wish for my dear friends, that you may grow in grace, and in the knowledge of Jesus. To know him, is the shortest description of true grace; to know him better, is the surest mark of growth in grace; to know him perfectly, is eternal life.” He believed that Jesus was able to solve every affliction that we faced in life, and he applied that truth in these letters as he ministered to the brokenness of people. Newton spoke of the offices of Jesus, where each office was the role that Jesus fulfilled in our lives. Jesus' offices includes Him as our King, Priest, Prophet, Lord, Life, Shepherd, Friend, Way, Doctor, and so many more, and we need to understand the role that would bring peace to a particular area of need in our lives. Applying the Gospel to every aspect of our lives is the good work that God gives us to do! Application: To study Jesus, to sit at His feet, to learn about how He fulfills the promises of the Old Testament is a life-long journey. Not only is it a journey, but it is our highest calling in life. Take time again this week and read through this first part of Colossians, focus and meditate on who Jesus is, and what difference that should make in your life.