"He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities - all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell," - Colossians 1:15-19 ESV
In verse 16 we have our uniquely used word. It is visible (horatos - Strong's G3707) that verse also has a similar word translated invisible (aoratos - Strongs G517) which is used 5x's in the New Testament.
Jesus made the invisible God visible. He breaks the third wall. Like a character speaking to the audience in a play.
"But if it is by the finger of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you." - Luke 11:20 ESV
Jesus wasn't created first (some mistranslate verse 15 and say that.) He Is first and always will be. He makes God visible. He did it historically and He Is doing it personally in life after life.
He opens the eyes of the blind.
Here is another amazing passage that reinforces some of the principles we see in this part of Colossians.
"Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high," - Hebrews 1:1-3 ESV
It is my conviction that all of creation is God's artwork to showcase redemption. Jesus is the focal point that holds it all together in the same way that a main character holds the plotline together of a literary work of art.
The incarnation was the purpose of creation. Jesus made the angelic contest visible. He brings to light unseen forces and dynamics.
"For we walk by faith, not by sight." - 2 Corinthians 5:7 ESV
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God." - Hebrews 12:1-2 ESV
When Jesus is in view life makes sense. To the unbeliever, that sounds foolish but to those who believe the invisible is made visible.
God speaks to us using the Bible because of the work and workings of His Son. He can speak to You today. He can illuminate your world if you let Him. Believe in Jesus and God will heal your blindness. Trust in Him and see the hope that is only visible to those who believe.
--
Tuesday, November 8, 2016
Monday, November 7, 2016
Pleasing The Father - Colossians - Part 37
"And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;" - Colossians 1:9-10 ESV
The unique word here is in verse 1:10 (pleasing - areskeia - Strong's G699) and it is derived from a root (airō - Strong's G142) which means to pick up and take away. Interesting.
This morning as I sit here pondering God's will I can't help but think of parenthood. What is a parent's will for their children when they are young and then when they are older adults.
We are God's adult children. If we have spiritual wisdom and understanding then we can function in maturity towards Him.
We have a gracious Father in Heaven. He is a King who dwells in holiness. He cares for people. He has sent us on a redemptive mission.
Finding His will involves coming under His vision.
Perhaps we have all functioned as little children towards God at one time or another but the writer is praying for the maturity of this Church. An older child who sees something out of place will just pick it up and put it in its place without being told knowing that the parent is pleased when things are in order. Paul is praying that this Church will come under God's vision more and more until it becomes their culture.
I want to take on my Heavenly Father's value system. He doesn't just want me to be happy. He wants me (and you) to be fruitful.
Thank You God. We know you are happy with us because of Your Son. Teach us to be people who see what needs to be moved and take responsibility to carry out the task. We want to identify what gives You joy and participate in those activities. It might be as simple as resting instead of striving or edifying a person instead of passively watching them suffer. Guide us to be gracious like You are gracious.
"But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth." - John 1:12-14 ESV
Yes. Amen.
--
The unique word here is in verse 1:10 (pleasing - areskeia - Strong's G699) and it is derived from a root (airō - Strong's G142) which means to pick up and take away. Interesting.
This morning as I sit here pondering God's will I can't help but think of parenthood. What is a parent's will for their children when they are young and then when they are older adults.
We are God's adult children. If we have spiritual wisdom and understanding then we can function in maturity towards Him.
We have a gracious Father in Heaven. He is a King who dwells in holiness. He cares for people. He has sent us on a redemptive mission.
Finding His will involves coming under His vision.
Perhaps we have all functioned as little children towards God at one time or another but the writer is praying for the maturity of this Church. An older child who sees something out of place will just pick it up and put it in its place without being told knowing that the parent is pleased when things are in order. Paul is praying that this Church will come under God's vision more and more until it becomes their culture.
I want to take on my Heavenly Father's value system. He doesn't just want me to be happy. He wants me (and you) to be fruitful.
Thank You God. We know you are happy with us because of Your Son. Teach us to be people who see what needs to be moved and take responsibility to carry out the task. We want to identify what gives You joy and participate in those activities. It might be as simple as resting instead of striving or edifying a person instead of passively watching them suffer. Guide us to be gracious like You are gracious.
"But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth." - John 1:12-14 ESV
Yes. Amen.
--
Saturday, November 5, 2016
Power And Negotiation
The last few days my meditation has been about power and negotiation. It takes power to even have a negotiation. The powerless have no negotiation leverage so there is often no negotiation at all.
The Bible shows different men negotiating with God. Abraham. Moses at the burning bush. Jacob wrestling with God.
Then there are examples of men negotiating with other men. Ahab trying to secure Naboth's vineyard (see 1 Kings 21:1f)
The conclusion I have come to is that hope is the negotiation power of the believer.
"And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us." - Romans 5:5 KJV
"According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death." - Philippians 1:20 KJV
Shame comes when we lose over and over. We begin to hate our self because of our powerlessness. God flips that equation over on its side.
Hope assures us that we have power with God. It isn't the power to gratify self per se but it is power in God's plan. We pray and God hears us. We are not powerless.
Today I will go and negotiate with people and urge them to secure the gift that the blood of Christ has purchased on their behalf. I will communicate grace as God gives me ability so that people know that God wants to give them something. I will let them know that their morality means nothing to God. It gives them no power. God holds all the cards and yet because of love He wants to give them power and position as a free gift.
God, I pray that our negotiations go well today. Bless us as we go. Thank you for exercising power on our behalf. It is beyond our understanding why you love us like you do.
--
The Bible shows different men negotiating with God. Abraham. Moses at the burning bush. Jacob wrestling with God.
Then there are examples of men negotiating with other men. Ahab trying to secure Naboth's vineyard (see 1 Kings 21:1f)
The conclusion I have come to is that hope is the negotiation power of the believer.
"And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us." - Romans 5:5 KJV
"According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death." - Philippians 1:20 KJV
Shame comes when we lose over and over. We begin to hate our self because of our powerlessness. God flips that equation over on its side.
Hope assures us that we have power with God. It isn't the power to gratify self per se but it is power in God's plan. We pray and God hears us. We are not powerless.
Today I will go and negotiate with people and urge them to secure the gift that the blood of Christ has purchased on their behalf. I will communicate grace as God gives me ability so that people know that God wants to give them something. I will let them know that their morality means nothing to God. It gives them no power. God holds all the cards and yet because of love He wants to give them power and position as a free gift.
God, I pray that our negotiations go well today. Bless us as we go. Thank you for exercising power on our behalf. It is beyond our understanding why you love us like you do.
--
Friday, November 4, 2016
Hope And Literacy - Colossians - Part 36
This morning as I look at the first Hapax Legomena words in Colossians I can't help but think of all the amazing Wycliffe translators who struggle to bring the word of God to people groups that have no written Bible. How many peoples that only had a spoken language have been given the gift of a written language all because someone (or a small group of people) took the time to live in their culture and learn from them so that the words and unique grammar could be codified in a written form.
The latest statistics I can find show that as of November 2015 the whole Bible is available in over 550 languages and a full New Testament is available in over 1,300 tongues.
Not many people realize that a Bible translation also gives a written language to many people groups that had no written language before. The spread of the Gospel has also meant the spread of literacy which gives so many other gifts.
The first unique word (1:5 hear before - Strongs G4257 - proakouō) is in this verse.
"We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints, because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. Of this you have heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel," - Colossians 1:3-5 ESV
Last night we had an interesting conversation about Hope.
"...and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us." - Romans 5:5 ESV
The hope given in the Gospel never puts us to shame. Guilt is when we hate what we have done but shame is when we hate who we are. The Gospel pours love into us and it never results in self-hatred.
Legalism does cause shame but the Gospel never does.
Paul uses this unique Greek word to say that the Colossians have changed lives because of what they have 'heard before.' The Colossians love and their love is evident.
How many children will sit in a school house at a tiny desk and write in a language that never existed on paper until someone who loved God came to give a large portion of their life and make that happen? Those people came because the God who gave the good news also filled their heart full of love.
God please bless those Bible translator who labor even today to translate your words into languages that are only spoken by an isolated group of people. Help them. They are people like us. Give them great grace and mercy and touch the lives of the people they come in contact with. They are bringing a gift that adds and does not subtract. It is the divine gift of an identity without shame. Right along with that gift is the gift of literacy.
Thank you God.
--
The latest statistics I can find show that as of November 2015 the whole Bible is available in over 550 languages and a full New Testament is available in over 1,300 tongues.
Not many people realize that a Bible translation also gives a written language to many people groups that had no written language before. The spread of the Gospel has also meant the spread of literacy which gives so many other gifts.
The first unique word (1:5 hear before - Strongs G4257 - proakouō) is in this verse.
"We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints, because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. Of this you have heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel," - Colossians 1:3-5 ESV
Last night we had an interesting conversation about Hope.
"...and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us." - Romans 5:5 ESV
The hope given in the Gospel never puts us to shame. Guilt is when we hate what we have done but shame is when we hate who we are. The Gospel pours love into us and it never results in self-hatred.
Legalism does cause shame but the Gospel never does.
Paul uses this unique Greek word to say that the Colossians have changed lives because of what they have 'heard before.' The Colossians love and their love is evident.
How many children will sit in a school house at a tiny desk and write in a language that never existed on paper until someone who loved God came to give a large portion of their life and make that happen? Those people came because the God who gave the good news also filled their heart full of love.
God please bless those Bible translator who labor even today to translate your words into languages that are only spoken by an isolated group of people. Help them. They are people like us. Give them great grace and mercy and touch the lives of the people they come in contact with. They are bringing a gift that adds and does not subtract. It is the divine gift of an identity without shame. Right along with that gift is the gift of literacy.
Thank you God.
--
Thursday, November 3, 2016
Hapax Legomena in Colossians - Colossians - Part 35
We are not done with Colossians. Far from it. This is a rich book and we are just going to change gears. There are many unique concepts given and words used in this books. I plan to explore the uniqueness of the book.
If you want to do a neat study look up the term 'Hapax Legomena' in relationship to a book of the Bible. It is a term associated with unique usage. Here is a list of verses and Greek words (translated into English) that are only used in this book and nowhere else in the Bible. They are the 'Hapax Legomena' of Colossians. I excluded names of places.
1:5 hear before
1:10 pleasing
1:16 visible
1:18 pre-eminent
1:20 make peace
1:23 shift
1:24 complete
2:4 beguiling speech
2:5 firmness
2:8 make a prey of
2:8 philosophy
2:9 deity
2:9 bodily
2:11 put off
2:14 bond
2:14 nail
2:16 new moon
2:18 disqualify
2:18 take a stand on
2:20 submit to regulations
2:22 use
2:23 rigor of devotion
2:23 severity
2:23 indulgence
3:8 foul talk
3:13 complaint
3:15 rule
3:15 thankful
3:21 discourage
3:24 reward
4:10 cousin
4:11 comfort
A word never used anywhere else is not easy to understand. We need context to gain understanding. Many of these words have great theological significance because they introduce new concepts or perspectives.
I hope that list is a blessing to you. Over the next few days I plan to reread each of the verses associated with these words in mind and ask God to reveal the unique concepts presented.
"Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him." - Proverbs 30:5 KJV
Yes, Thank You God.
--
If you want to do a neat study look up the term 'Hapax Legomena' in relationship to a book of the Bible. It is a term associated with unique usage. Here is a list of verses and Greek words (translated into English) that are only used in this book and nowhere else in the Bible. They are the 'Hapax Legomena' of Colossians. I excluded names of places.
1:5 hear before
1:10 pleasing
1:16 visible
1:18 pre-eminent
1:20 make peace
1:23 shift
1:24 complete
2:4 beguiling speech
2:5 firmness
2:8 make a prey of
2:8 philosophy
2:9 deity
2:9 bodily
2:11 put off
2:14 bond
2:14 nail
2:16 new moon
2:18 disqualify
2:18 take a stand on
2:20 submit to regulations
2:22 use
2:23 rigor of devotion
2:23 severity
2:23 indulgence
3:8 foul talk
3:13 complaint
3:15 rule
3:15 thankful
3:21 discourage
3:24 reward
4:10 cousin
4:11 comfort
A word never used anywhere else is not easy to understand. We need context to gain understanding. Many of these words have great theological significance because they introduce new concepts or perspectives.
I hope that list is a blessing to you. Over the next few days I plan to reread each of the verses associated with these words in mind and ask God to reveal the unique concepts presented.
"Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him." - Proverbs 30:5 KJV
Yes, Thank You God.
--
Wednesday, November 2, 2016
Paul's Chains - Colossians - Part 34
Good morning. If you are reading this then that means you are alive and it is my firm conviction that where there is life there is hope.
I had interesting dreams last night. The details of them are fading even as I type but the theme and thought I was left with was the concept of 'being painted into a corner.' I don't hear people talk about it very much but I do see the theme everywhere in fiction and in life.
People tend to get trapped by their own projects or locked into circumstances. Stepping on wet paint makes a mess and waiting wastes time. The grass is always greener out in the free zone if you are stuck in a trap of your own design.
We find that life is filled with many painters and at times our progress is halted by the work of others.
I think this is a fitting thought for this last verse of the last chapter of Colossians.
"I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you." - Colossians 4:18 ESV
Paul's life has brought him to this place. A trapped man who is truly free. He isn't complaining or full of despair. He is writing about the loftiest of subjects. He is moving forward. He has hope for himself and others. God is being revealed moment by moment to him in his experience.
The Gospel is a message for trapped people who long to be free. It is for dying people who want to live.
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil." - John 3:16-19 ESV
If you are happy functioning in your own power then this isn't such good news.
But, For the father who suddenly realizes that his life is locked in because he has children or the business owner who knows that others are relying on them this is wonderful news.
It is wonderful news to anyone who has painted themselves into a corner or who has come to grips with the reality that death is coming at them like a freight train and one day they will face the final situation where the only solution lies in a Savior who will be the way of escape.
Paul was in chains. The Colossians knew that. I'm sure they prayed for his release but I'm also sure that it was motivation for them to live in the freedom of the One who gives release.
Are you trapped today? There is a Savior who releases captives.
"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed," - Luke 4:18 ESV
If you are alive then you have hope.
"'I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob'? He is not God of the dead, but of the living." - Matthew 22:32 ESV
Believe in Jesus and join the ranks of the living. There is hope in Him. He will be your constant companion as the paint drys and He will release you from every chain at the perfect moment.
--
I had interesting dreams last night. The details of them are fading even as I type but the theme and thought I was left with was the concept of 'being painted into a corner.' I don't hear people talk about it very much but I do see the theme everywhere in fiction and in life.
People tend to get trapped by their own projects or locked into circumstances. Stepping on wet paint makes a mess and waiting wastes time. The grass is always greener out in the free zone if you are stuck in a trap of your own design.
We find that life is filled with many painters and at times our progress is halted by the work of others.
I think this is a fitting thought for this last verse of the last chapter of Colossians.
"I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you." - Colossians 4:18 ESV
Paul's life has brought him to this place. A trapped man who is truly free. He isn't complaining or full of despair. He is writing about the loftiest of subjects. He is moving forward. He has hope for himself and others. God is being revealed moment by moment to him in his experience.
The Gospel is a message for trapped people who long to be free. It is for dying people who want to live.
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil." - John 3:16-19 ESV
If you are happy functioning in your own power then this isn't such good news.
But, For the father who suddenly realizes that his life is locked in because he has children or the business owner who knows that others are relying on them this is wonderful news.
It is wonderful news to anyone who has painted themselves into a corner or who has come to grips with the reality that death is coming at them like a freight train and one day they will face the final situation where the only solution lies in a Savior who will be the way of escape.
Paul was in chains. The Colossians knew that. I'm sure they prayed for his release but I'm also sure that it was motivation for them to live in the freedom of the One who gives release.
Are you trapped today? There is a Savior who releases captives.
"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed," - Luke 4:18 ESV
If you are alive then you have hope.
"'I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob'? He is not God of the dead, but of the living." - Matthew 22:32 ESV
Believe in Jesus and join the ranks of the living. There is hope in Him. He will be your constant companion as the paint drys and He will release you from every chain at the perfect moment.
--
Tuesday, November 1, 2016
Fulfill The Ministry - Colossians - Part 33
"And say to Archippus, 'See that you fulfill the ministry that you have received in the Lord.' " - Colossians 4:17 ESV
Isn't that a great example of the writer's heart? Couldn't we put different names in there?
Don't quit. See things through to the end. You are a steward of a ministry that God has given you. It is a ministry of reconciliation. It is unique to your life and relationship to God. Fulfill it.
Pastors and discerning people have used this phrase in key moments throughout the ages but in this case Paul is talking to Archippus and we know a little about this person from elsewhere in the scriptures. Here is some backstory from the book of Philemon.
"Paul, a prisoner for Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon our beloved fellow worker and Apphia our sister and Archippus our fellow soldier, and the church in your house: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God always when I remember you in my prayers, because I hear of your love and of the faith that you have toward the Lord Jesus and for all the saints, and I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective for the full knowledge of every good thing that is in us for the sake of Christ. For I have derived much joy and comfort from your love, my brother, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you. Accordingly, though I am bold enough in Christ to command you to do what is required, yet for love's sake I prefer to appeal to you - I, Paul, an old man and now a prisoner also for Christ Jesus - I appeal to you for my child, Onesimus, whose father I became in my imprisonment. (Formerly he was useless to you, but now he is indeed useful to you and to me.) I am sending him back to you, sending my very heart." - Philemon 1:1-12 ESV
Beautiful isn't it?
Onesimus is mentioned in verse 9 of this same chapter in Colossians.
People get into complicated situations, don't they? How do we go forward? 'Fulfill the ministry' is great advice. It takes forgiveness to do that. It takes faith in the one who has given us the ministry.
Why don't we just put our name in there today...
"And say to ________, 'See that you fulfill the ministry that you have received in the Lord.' " - Colossians 4:17 ESV
God. You sit on a throne far away but your words of encouragement have reached our ears. You have given us great gifts. Please strengthen us. Keep our eyes on Jesus. Make us good stewards of Your ministry. Thank You God.
--
Isn't that a great example of the writer's heart? Couldn't we put different names in there?
Don't quit. See things through to the end. You are a steward of a ministry that God has given you. It is a ministry of reconciliation. It is unique to your life and relationship to God. Fulfill it.
Pastors and discerning people have used this phrase in key moments throughout the ages but in this case Paul is talking to Archippus and we know a little about this person from elsewhere in the scriptures. Here is some backstory from the book of Philemon.
"Paul, a prisoner for Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon our beloved fellow worker and Apphia our sister and Archippus our fellow soldier, and the church in your house: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God always when I remember you in my prayers, because I hear of your love and of the faith that you have toward the Lord Jesus and for all the saints, and I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective for the full knowledge of every good thing that is in us for the sake of Christ. For I have derived much joy and comfort from your love, my brother, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you. Accordingly, though I am bold enough in Christ to command you to do what is required, yet for love's sake I prefer to appeal to you - I, Paul, an old man and now a prisoner also for Christ Jesus - I appeal to you for my child, Onesimus, whose father I became in my imprisonment. (Formerly he was useless to you, but now he is indeed useful to you and to me.) I am sending him back to you, sending my very heart." - Philemon 1:1-12 ESV
Beautiful isn't it?
Onesimus is mentioned in verse 9 of this same chapter in Colossians.
People get into complicated situations, don't they? How do we go forward? 'Fulfill the ministry' is great advice. It takes forgiveness to do that. It takes faith in the one who has given us the ministry.
Why don't we just put our name in there today...
"And say to ________, 'See that you fulfill the ministry that you have received in the Lord.' " - Colossians 4:17 ESV
God. You sit on a throne far away but your words of encouragement have reached our ears. You have given us great gifts. Please strengthen us. Keep our eyes on Jesus. Make us good stewards of Your ministry. Thank You God.
--
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