From Darkness to light
Paul writing to the Colossians in Chapter 1 v9 says “For this reason, …we have not stopped praying …and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of His will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding.”(Emphasis added)
A vital part of our healing journey is the amazing truth attached to the redemptive power of Jesus’ accomplishment at the Cross. Paul’s prayer for the Colossians in the first instance is they would be filled with the knowledge of God’s will for them. This applies equally to us so many years later. In order for us to walk in the strength and victory which Jesus purchased for us at Calvary we MUST know experientially not just intellectually, the power He has given us. Further, it is by this growing knowledge of God’s will in our lives that we are strengthened to run this race of life with endurance, confidence and joy.
Jesus has rescued us from the darkness of the world and satan’s kingdom and ‘conveyed’ us into His wonderful Kingdom of light. The original language in this passage has within its meaning a legal transaction whereby title is transferred from one to another, similar to that which takes place when a property is purchased. The title deeds for the property are transferred or conveyed by means of a legal transaction from one owner to another.
When we surrender our lives to Jesus, there is a ‘legal transaction’ which takes place. We no longer belong to the kingdom of this world. We are conveyed, transferred if you like, to the Kingdom of God with all the associated blessings and benefits. The devil no longer has any legal claim over our life. What a wonderful Saviour we have!
I understand we are still living in a ‘dark’ world and it seems at times the darkness is getting darker. However I’m reminded that when the light shines darkness has to leave. Jesus said “let you light so shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven (Matt 5:16).” Light dispels or displaces darkness.
Verse 10 of this great passage in Colossians gives the reason why we are to be filled with this growing knowledge of God:- that we may walk worthy of the Lord, be fully pleasing to Him, and to befruitful in every good work! My desire is to be fruitful in every good work. Jesus has a plan for each of our lives and part of that plan is to be fruitful, not through striving but simply by abiding in Him (see John 15). He has given us everything we need in order to live a life worthy of Him and as followers of Jesus we should always be shining His light from our lives – to the glory of His great Name.