“He disarmed the rulers and authorities and disgraced them publicly, He triumphed…” Colossians 2:15 Holman Bible
“In this way he disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross.” Colossians 2:15 NLT New Spirit-Filled Life Bible
In preparing for our weekly study, I read Paul’s words that he wrote to the church at Colosse. These faithful brothers and sisters of Christ were always on the mind and heart of Paul; he never stopped holding them up in prayer. He wants them to know that once they have accepted Christ there is still more to do. They cannot rest on their laurels, as some would put it.
Paul is always encouraging the Colossians to live in peace and love God above all else, then one another. Be thankful and sing hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. They were to teach and counsel one another in the wisdom that God gives them.
Now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. Don’t lie to each other…Put on your new nature…In this new life it doesn’t matter if you are a Jew or a Gentile…Christ is all that matters and He lives in all of us,” (Colossians 2:8ff) Paul told them
Now if the Roman soldiers who nailed Jesus to the cross, had known all this was going to happen, if they had understood who Jesus was, do you think they would have treated Him as they did? No, of course not! You see, they thought once He was dead and buried, they could get back to life as usual. They would rule over the people and the people would do as they instructed. They had no idea who Jesus was or what the ramifications of their evil acts would be—they had sealed their fate. Unless, they confessed their sin and repented, they would be lost. A few did just that, but many did not.
The dragon of pride is paramount in many lives. The Roman leaders were proud of their control over the people. Pride and control go hand in hand skipping down the road of life. They trample everyone who gets in their way. Life is no different today than it was centuries ago. Some still live under the shadow of pride and control, thinking that their power in themselves will continue to bring them stature and riches. It might, but without peace.
Christ gave Himself up to allow His blood to flow that you and I would be covered with it and washed white as snow. He took all our sins—yours and mine—upon Himself, though He knew none, and put them to death once and for all. ALL our sins—past, present, future!! For before we came to Christ we were just like the Roman soldiers. We humiliated, beat, and ignored the One who came to save us. Now that we know we have an even greater responsibility. We must give testimony to the greatness and love of God who created us by our words and our deeds. Paul writes it like this: “Whatever you do, do it enthusiastically, as something done for the Lord and not for men, knowing that you will receive the reward of an inheritance from the Lord—you serve the Lord Christ.” (Colossians 3:23)
There is a saying that I learned somewhere along the way—it is this: “What goes around comes around.” I believe we can see this happening through-out history. What happened in Rome that day centuries ago, is happening even today. The dragons are still lurking and we must not let down our guard. Our inheritance is still waiting and God has promised to never leave us or forsake us, so do not be afraid, continue to seek wisdom from the Holy Spirit and from Wisdom will come understanding, and God will direct your path.
Where there seems to be no way, God will make a way.
Dear Lord, the days seem to be dark right now, but help us to see the brightness of Eternity. In Your precious name I pray. Amen
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