Before and after

Cogitate on Colossians 1:21-23

I love those medical documentaries where you see someone before and after they’ve had a life-changing operation.

I will never forget seeing a film in which a lady was being fitted with a cochlea implant. Up to that point, her hearing had been seriously inadequate for many years.

We viewers were allowed into the moment when it was all connected up for the first time. Her husband was there and so was her little boy.

We watched as she heard her two-year-old son say ‘mummy’ with a clarity she could have only dreamt of before the operation. The camera stayed rolling while she broke down on her husband’s shoulder with tears of joy.

Before and after could hardly have been more different for her.

That’s what Paul is describing in these verses! It’s the before and after of our Christians faith.

Once we were alienated from God, now we’re reconciled to him.

Once we were his enemies, now we’re his friends

Once we were damaged goods, but now we’re without blemish

Once God had an open-and-shut case against us, but now we’re free from accusation.

That is a fantastic place to be, and it’s no wonder that when the Holy Spirit writes that message deep on our hearts there are moments when the message of the Father’s love reduces us to tears. Actually elevates us to tears.

We are liberated people! We’ve been reconciled to God!

So as you go through today try to bring back to mind what Christ has done for you and, as best you can, live in the joy of it.

Prayer

Praise God for his transforming of our lives from week to week.

Admit: Is there anything I need to confess to him today?

Come: Bring your requests to him now – especially pray for …

Thank: What particular things can you thank him for today?