Who doesn't like a good mystery? A good novel often reveals the mystery to the reader, and then the story revolves around the main characters discovering the mystery and its impact on their lives.
Here's a good mystery: "the mystery which has been hidden from the past ages and generations, but has now been manifested to His saints, to whom God willed to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory" (Colossian 1:26-27)
It's not that God is in the business of hiding vital information, but rather that some information is appropriate only at the appropriate time. Prior to the coming of His Son into the world, the mystery could only be hinted at. This "mystery", mentioned here by Paul, would essentially still be a mystery to those living in the "pre-Christ" era. But, in the "post-coming" era of Christ, the mystery is solved and can be clearly understood by all who eagerly seek to understand. The mystery? First of all, that salvation was for all people; not just the chosen Jews. But secondly, and perhaps most importantly, that Christ could indwell His people, giving them a taste of the hope of their future glory. If Christ lives inside His people, then future glory through resurrection is a very real possibility.
Case closed; mystery solved. Except that this mystery isn't one for a detective's files; it's a mystery to be lived and explored every day. If Christ is in you, what does He want you to know and do this day? It's the "W.W.J.D." thing (What Would Jesus Do?), and so much more. There is no short acronym for a bracelet, but this question is worthy of our deepest consideration: How does Christ want to live in and through me today? If each of us could sit down with Christ at the beginning of the day, with Day-Timer in hand, how would He fill in the time slots? Sure, He would respect your commitments to such things as school and work, but how would He schedule your discretionary time? An hour for prayer and Bible study, instead of several hours in front the TV, computer, or video game? A couple of hours on the phone encouraging and comforting brothers and sisters in Christ? A coffee or Coke with the neighbor who has expressed interest in spiritual matters?
The good news is that the "Christ in you" will clearly prompt the actions and activities that are His priorities. The bad news is that we can squelch His voice if responding isn't convenient or comfortable. This is essentially "quenching the Spirit" (1 Thessalonians 5:19), and it's a dangerous thing to do. So, being responsive to "the Christ in you" truly leads to "the hope of glory".
The King of the coming Kingdom is sufficiently empowered to inhabit all His people, and sufficiently compassionate to desire to do so. Within and through you, His prized possession, He desires to work out the Father's kingdom plans and priorities. What a privileged position!
The Bible is filled with examples of incredible feats performed by God through faithful people. Monumental as these feats were, they were isolated events. We, however, are privileged to know and experience His greatest feat - the abiding presence of His Son within to continually perform His good will.
Move and live confidently in the world today, hearing and heeding the voice within.
Steve
Here's a good mystery: "the mystery which has been hidden from the past ages and generations, but has now been manifested to His saints, to whom God willed to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory" (Colossian 1:26-27)
It's not that God is in the business of hiding vital information, but rather that some information is appropriate only at the appropriate time. Prior to the coming of His Son into the world, the mystery could only be hinted at. This "mystery", mentioned here by Paul, would essentially still be a mystery to those living in the "pre-Christ" era. But, in the "post-coming" era of Christ, the mystery is solved and can be clearly understood by all who eagerly seek to understand. The mystery? First of all, that salvation was for all people; not just the chosen Jews. But secondly, and perhaps most importantly, that Christ could indwell His people, giving them a taste of the hope of their future glory. If Christ lives inside His people, then future glory through resurrection is a very real possibility.
Case closed; mystery solved. Except that this mystery isn't one for a detective's files; it's a mystery to be lived and explored every day. If Christ is in you, what does He want you to know and do this day? It's the "W.W.J.D." thing (What Would Jesus Do?), and so much more. There is no short acronym for a bracelet, but this question is worthy of our deepest consideration: How does Christ want to live in and through me today? If each of us could sit down with Christ at the beginning of the day, with Day-Timer in hand, how would He fill in the time slots? Sure, He would respect your commitments to such things as school and work, but how would He schedule your discretionary time? An hour for prayer and Bible study, instead of several hours in front the TV, computer, or video game? A couple of hours on the phone encouraging and comforting brothers and sisters in Christ? A coffee or Coke with the neighbor who has expressed interest in spiritual matters?
The good news is that the "Christ in you" will clearly prompt the actions and activities that are His priorities. The bad news is that we can squelch His voice if responding isn't convenient or comfortable. This is essentially "quenching the Spirit" (1 Thessalonians 5:19), and it's a dangerous thing to do. So, being responsive to "the Christ in you" truly leads to "the hope of glory".
The King of the coming Kingdom is sufficiently empowered to inhabit all His people, and sufficiently compassionate to desire to do so. Within and through you, His prized possession, He desires to work out the Father's kingdom plans and priorities. What a privileged position!
The Bible is filled with examples of incredible feats performed by God through faithful people. Monumental as these feats were, they were isolated events. We, however, are privileged to know and experience His greatest feat - the abiding presence of His Son within to continually perform His good will.
Move and live confidently in the world today, hearing and heeding the voice within.
Steve
posted by steve @ 8:34 AM
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