Did you do your homework? How many times is Jesus referred to in the Book of Colossians? I counted over 70 times in the NASB. So, what is the Book of Colossians really about? It is about Jesus – specifically the supremacy of Jesus Christ! Let’s quickly review – Paul begins this letter with a typical introduction. He then commends the believers in Colossae for their faith, hope, and love. Last week, we looked at the beautiful prayer he prayed over the believers in Colossae. Now, in verses 13 and 14, Paul explains the product of the good news of Jesus Christ “For He (God the Father) rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son (Jesus Christ), in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” Let those words marinate in your heart and mind for a moment……………………………….. Replace your name in those verses – For He rescued (your name) from the domain of darkness, and transferred (your name) to the Kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom (your name) has redemption, the forgiveness of sins. Wow!!!! Have you ever been rescued from being lost? One night while I was in college I was coming home from a bonfire, and my truck broke down. I was in the middle of nowhere. Some of my friends were still at the bonfire, so I thought I would walk back to them. However, I made a wrong turn. After walking for hours, I finally made it back to the main road which didn’t have any street lights. I was scared to death because it was SO dark and I was SO alone. On top of that, I was in an area where I did not feel safe. Finally, I could see a car coming in the distance because of its lights. I had a decision to make. Do I hide and let the car pass by since I didn’t know who was in the car, or do I stop it and hope for a friendly person? I prayed and decided to stop the car. Who was in the car…………………………? It was some of my friends! I was so thankful for being found. At one time, we were all in the dark, lost, and needing of rescue! Paul says it like this in Ephesians 2:1-3 “And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power or the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience.” But thankfully, we (believers in Jesus Christ) didn’t stay in the darkness. God rescued us and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son. Paul again sheds further light on this topic in Ephesians 5:8 “for you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light.” Notice, it was God who transferred us to the Kingdom of His beloved Son, Jesus Christ. Just take a moment and remember what God has done for you. You were lost but now you are found. Look at the nearest light switch on the wall. What happens when that switch is in the ‘off’ position? There is no light, and you are in darkness. However, when you turn that switch on, there is light – an electrical circuit is completed thus allowing an electric current to flow freely (I am not an electrician, but something like that happens J ). This is what God has done for us. We were in the off position, so to speak, but because of Jesus Christ, we are now in the light – in Jesus’ Kingdom. The last thing I would like for you to see is the last part of verse 14“in Christ we have redemption – the forgiveness of sins!” Jesus paid our debt, which we could never pay, by His death on a cross. And look what we receive – redemption, the forgiveness of sins. So, what should our response be from these amazing truths in verses 13 and 14? Well, next week we will see Paul’s response – He breaks out in praise for Jesus Christ! Maybe, just maybe, we should do the same. See you next week!
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