|
“And although you were formerly alienated and hostile in mind, engaged in evil deeds, yet He has now reconciled you in His fleshly body through death, in order to present you before Him holy and blameless and beyond reproach- if indeed you continue in the faith firmly established and steadfast, and not moved away from the hope of the gospel that you have heard, which was proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, was made a minister.“ (Colossians 1:21-23 NASB) |
|
After being bombarded with an unusually large spate of bad news this morning, I took a break to enjoy the weekly racquetball game with my sweetheart. As we walked through the parking lot, I was ruminating on all the junk that takes center stage in this world and how that has led to an inevitable reaction of apocalyptic fears. I had just thought, “From movies to books to music, everyone seemed consumed with fear and fixated on the end of western civilization.” At that moment I noticed the music blaring through the rec center loudspeakers, “It’s the end of the world as we know it,” by R.E.M. I laughed aloud. [Note: considering the multiple stares that ensued, laughter is apparently frowned upon in those hallowed halls.] A few seconds later I laughed louder, because the Lord brought a welcome thought to my mind: fear is not the answer. Neither is escape or nihilism. The preeminent Jesus is the answer. He is in charge and directing things far beyond what any of us can see. He is the firstborn who reconciles. He promises to set all straight. This weekend I encourage you to do what I did – talk to the Lord and read His word in Colossians 1:15-23. If you wish, study with me as I teach that passage this Sunday. [If Frisco Bible Church is far for you or you already have a church home, the video should be available by next Monday at www.friscobible.com.] If you are beaten down by weirdness as well, 80s apocalyptic music, ice cream, and racquetball can certainly soothe. But nothing makes a difference like focusing on the wholly bright Jesus. |