Michael Lewis, the author of “Moneyball” and “The Blind Side”, once said, “Unless you have a story, you don't have a way to persuade people”. Stories are powerful. They help us see and understand what we previously missed. Sadly, some take the beautiful story of scripture and turn it into lists to memorize and rules to follow. Fortunately, Colossians 1:21-23 corrects that mistake by retelling the gospel story.
As many good stories do, this one starts with a big problem: “Once you were alienated from God” (verse 21). Alienated means to be separated or to lose connection. That is what sin does. It comes between us and God and destroys the relationship. Our incorrect thinking and actions cause us to run away from God (also verse 21). Left to our own devices, our story ends here. We have no way home.
Fortunately, the next phrase is, “But now”. Something has changed. “But now, He (God) has reconciled you” (verse 22). Reconciled means to be brought back into harmony and relationship. Note two vital facts. First, it was God who made things right. He did what we were unable to do. Second, he has done this by Christ’s death on the cross (verse 22). Jesus took our sin and gave us his righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21). God is not angry or vengeful. Rather, he is gracious and compassionate. “God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).
Lastly, we need to understand that this story is conditional, and our attitude determines its effectiveness. You are reconciled, “If you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel” (verse 23). Perfection is not required, but perseverance is. By holding on and growing in our faith, we mature and come to look more like Jesus. When that happens, we will be ready to go home.
I love this story because (1) it focuses on God and his goodness, not ours, and (2) it is full of hope for everyone!
Perhaps it is time to make this story your story.
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