S - “For
God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to
reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven,
by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. Once you were alienated
from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now
he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you
holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation—” Colossians
1:19-22 NIV
O -
Reconciled enemies is a marvelous thing. It is essential to admit that while
most relational dynamics require the participation of both parties, being an
enemy can be engaged by only one side. The Father of Jesus never was and never
will be an enemy of humans, even wicked ones (cf. Luke 6:35-36). Instead, in
almost unimaginable love he sends Jesus as his message and gift to the entire
world; no exceptions. The reconciliation is not God to his enemies but his
enemies to him. As is stated elsewhere: “God
was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins
against them.” 2Corinthians 5:19 NIV
A - The religion of Jesus' day presented, and
the religion of my day presents, God as an enemy. Jesus presents him as a
Father loving, wanting and reconciling all people to himself. It's not that we
have no choice in the reconciliation -- it's that he's made his choice and will
never change his mind. He has never been and never will be my enemy … but I
have been his enemy. The mystery of his love is that he refused to be mine. I
am amazed, and continue to be amazed by him and his relentless love. He's not saying
I will if you will. He's saying I do, will you? I will!
P - Our Dearest Father in heaven,
Thank
you for loving and reconciling everyone and everything in Jesus. Thank you for loving us because you love us;
not so we'll love you back -- but you want us to love you back. I love you back
and am fully accepting your adoption and reconciliation. Thank you for freeing
me/us from all accusation … and for refusing to be my/our enemy.
I will
live and pray in Jesus,
Steve
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