Colossians – Fitting Together because of Christ

You have probably heard the word “case” used in a variety of ways. “Well, he’s a basket case today” or “She’s a real case to be dealt with in this problem.” Lawyers take on cases, who are people who need defending. Scientists and psychologists have “case studies” that involve looking at groups of people, animals. and other beings in depth to see what they do and why they do it. So when Paul, through the eyes of Eugene Peterson, in his paraphrase of The Message to the Colossian people group says we are a case study, he isn’t wrong. We are a case! You can decide if that’s good or bad.

Now, let’s look in depth at this sentence…”You yourselves are a case study of what he does.” What? It’s not about me? Nope. It’s what GOD DOES in us and through us to transform us. The Bible has and always will be about God and what HE does. HE is our Creator. HE is always there, even when we turn our backs on Him. HE made a undeniable way for us to come back to HIM. Jesus Christ died for you! He died for me!

There is NO OTHER message but this one…Christ died for us and still presents our “case” to God, the Father who declares us free from our sins to those who repent and believe. Let’s go deeper still…Jesus took on our “case”, went to court for us, got beaten to a pulp, carried our sins on His bloody shoulders, chose the nails that had our names on them and laid down his life for ours. Yes, it’s ALL about HIM! Our “case” has been dismissed for lack of evidence of guilt. Jesus took our guilt and shame, put us back together again from the ravages of sin and is transforming us, day by day, to be more, to think more, to act more…like HIM. Yes, it’s what God does in each case.

Colossians 1, The Message
21-23 You yourselves are a case study of what he does. At one time you all had your backs turned to God, thinking rebellious thoughts of him, giving him trouble every chance you got. But now, by giving himself completely at the Cross, actually dying for you, Christ brought you over to God’s side and put your lives together, whole and holy in his presence. You don’t walk away from a gift like that! You stay grounded and steady in that bond of trust, constantly tuned in to the Message, careful not to be distracted or diverted. There is no other Message—just this one. Every creature under heaven gets this same Message. I, Paul, am a messenger of this Message.

What do we learn?
–God loves us so much He sent His Son to die for our sins so that we can live with Him with no walls between us.
–Jesus brought us over to God’s side.
–Jesus puts us back together again, whole and holy.
–Don’t walk away from a gift like this!

Dear Heavenly Father, We are on our knees in grateful praise but at the same time we are crying out for those close to us who are still lost, who have turned their backs to You, going their own selfish ways. Please continue to speak to their souls and rescue them from darkness. Every “case” is personal and I know You are working as we pray. Thank you, Lord. Continue Your work in us. We are listening. Transform us to be all You intended for us to be. Make us whole and holy before You Thank you, Lord. You are God and we are not.
In Jesus Name, Amen