Today’s Reading:
Colossians 2:16-23
“The instructions of the LORD are perfect, reviving the soul (restoring strength). The decrees of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple. 8 The Commandments of the LORD are right, bringing joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are clear, giving insight for living (making the eyes to shine).” (Psalm 19:7-8)
In today’s passage, Apostle Paul showed disgust over some of the Colossians false teacher’s heresy which taught false ‘secret knowledge that claimed to take the mystery of Christ and the church even deeper’ (v.11). This is even claimed to have an equal or greater importance than the gospel message. These were human inventions that took root in asceticism that is, severe self-discipline and avoidance of all forms of indulgence, typically for religious reasons.
The Bible is noticeably clear, complete, and incontrovertible about the Word of God and about Jesus Christ. “The word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, or joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” (Heb. 4:12). This statement about Christ is noticeably clear. “For this is how God loved the world. He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” (Jn. 3:16; Isa. 53:3-12; Jn 1:29, 36). Also, the whole of the messages contained in the Scripture from Genesis to Revelation is all about Jesus Christ (Jn. 1:1-5; Rev. 17:14; 22:1).The Psalmist is our model of one who is conversant with the Word of God because, apart from his daily meditation on it, he wrote most of the psalms. In Psalm 19, David celebrates the Lord’s revelation of Himself through His Word and His works with a flash back on his (David’s) sinfulness and God’s forgiveness. As we too meditate upon this psalm, we will realise God’s greatness in his creation and his Word. The heavens declare, speak, recount, recall or tell of His glory, nay His majesty is clearly shown in the beauty of creation. This wonder should lead us to the worship of the Creator God and not the created (Rm. 1:19-20).
God’s existence and sovereignty is seen in the beauty of the world and the ordinances in the sky worldwide (Rm. 1:18-21). While the Scriptures may not have, theologians have clearly defined the created order as ‘general revelation’ and the written Word of God as ‘special revelation; and this psalm acknowledges this (vv. 7-11). What is eaten or drank here (Col. 2:16-18), may be referring to the Jewish dietary laws, and the festivals and holy days, which may have distinguished them from the pagan world around them. And failure to observe them would be noticed by those keeping track of them. As believers, we should not allow ourselves to be judged by the opinion of others, because Christ has set us free from all hinderances of the law (Col. 2:16; Rom. 8:2). As we grow in our Christian living, we should let the word of God be our guide and not other people’s opinion (Col. 2:18). When we mention instructions, decrees, or commandments, moral discipline readily comes to mind. But rather than forced discipline, God’s instructions revive us, make us wise, restore our strength, bring unending joy to the heart, give us insight, warn of danger, and we are rewarded. They are guidelines and lights for our path, and they guide us on the paths of success. They shine our eyes to see clearly, what we ordinarily would not have seen.
Our Christian growth is a lifelong process. Though we have a new nature, we may not automatically think all good thought and have all pure attitude when we come to Christ. But as we listen to God through his word, and with the help of the Holy Spirit, we will be changing with time.
OLUFUNMILAYO TITILOLA ADEKUSIBE
Prayer:
Father, thank you for the perfect revelation of your glory and knowledge in the firmament, and the world around me, in Jesus name.
Father create in me a pure heart and renew a right, humble and teachable spirit within me, in Jesus name.
I paralyze every spirit of disobedience and rebellion in my life and family; Lord fortify me and my household with your power, in Jesus name.
Father reposition and unite the body of Christ to fulfil your purpose , in Jesus name
Father give us God-fearing leaders to move the nation forward in, Jesus name.
Comments