Colossians, 1:15 ff. Translation: The Message
In the intro to this book, paraphraser Eugene Peterson, describes Paul as writing "in an attempt to restore Jesus, the Messiah, to the center of their lives." I, today, need to contemplate where Jesus is not the center of my life and seek earnestly to restore Him to his rightful reign in my life. This leads to freedom - freedom from the burden, guilt, and shackles of self and sin.
Background In vv. 16-18 ... absolutely everything got started in the Son of God and also finds its purpose in Him. He was there before any of it came into existence, and He holds it all together even right up to this moment. And the Church, He holds it together, like a head does a body.
Quote: "...all the broken and dislocated pieces of the universe - people and things, animals and atoms - get properly fixed and fit together in vibrant harmonies, all because of His death, His blood that poured down from the cross."
Tomorrow is Easter, Resurrection Day. I'm contemplating these "dislocations" that I have ...these dislocations in myself that I can't see or feel. I move through life not realizing I am broken in certain areas, not fully functional, that I am in pain. Jesus' blood and death on the cross and His Spirit in us, is the only remedy that can reveal these broken places that I disguise as anger, pride, stubborness, hurt, friendliness, distance, by doing good deeds, achieving, etc. Only He can make me healed and whole, full and free.
Where am I dislocated and don't realize it.? Where do I need God's probing to help me find and root out the sin and hurts and justifications that cripple me? I right now yield my life to this Great and caring and loving Physician, who has proven His skill and heart for the world.
And please give me grace and insight to become aware of others' dislocations that they can't see or realize and which reveal themselves in conundrums - a testy grocery store clerk, a person who withdraws when angry or hurt, a female co-worker on a power trip, a man who values success over family, etc., that I may be understanding and full of grace as my Father is toward me.
