08-05-21

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHING
August 5, 2021
Scripture: Colossians 1:13-14
He has rescued us from the power of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

Thought for the Day: There are moments when I am reading Paul a bit too quickly, but then a word or phrase brings me to a sudden stop. In this case, it was the phrase: “…transferred us into the kingdom of his beloved Son…” Paul appears to be suggesting that we have (with the emphasis on the fact that it has already occurred) been transferred into the kingdom of God’s beloved. For those of us waiting until the doctor signs our death certificate, Paul has something else to say. Stop waiting and take note of where you already are. God’s amazing grace and limitless love have already moved you from where you were to where God wants you to be – a move from hopelessness to joy, from death to life, from sorrow to celebration, from fear to freedom. Years ago, I remember Zach falling asleep in the car as we drove. When we pulled into the garage, I unbuckled his seatbelt, picked him up and carried him into his bedroom. Without him waking, we got his shoes off and got him tucked into bed. It was then that his eyes opened, and for a moment there was clearly some confusion. He had no idea how he got where he was. But with a kiss on the forehead and our usual prayer, he quickly fell asleep. Without his awareness, those who loved him had moved him from one place to another. Some times we don’t even realize it and thus don’t live as those who have already been transferred. Some times we experience confusion, even pushing back against our new surroundings. But there are other times when we embrace it and enjoy the peace that comes from already being transferred into the kingdom of God’s beloved.

Prayer: Lord of Heaven and Earth, it is your grace that reaches beyond our imaginations and continues to rescue us from the shadows and into the radiance of your beloved kingdom. With joy I say, Thank you! Amen.

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