“Through him to reconcile to himself all things,
whether things on earth or things in heaven,
by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross”
(Colossians 1:20)
Reflection:
This was our Heavenly Father’s sole initiative and our Lord Jesus Christ’s great and over-riding objective. To heal the breach between God and man. To bridge the gap and restore the relationship. To bring forgiveness, healing and reconciliation to the whole created order. To deal with the sin of the world and all its disastrous consequences. To set us free to enter fully and eternally into the love, grace and presence of God,
‘to present you holy in His sight, without blemish and free from accusation’
(Colossians 1:22)
The medium of reconciliation was the blood of Jesus shed on the cross in that one, great, sufficient and eternal sacrifice. It was the greatest possible act of love, grace and self-sacrifice on the part of God. In fact the Cross is the proof that there is no length to which the love of God will refuse to go in order to win the hearts of men and women.
If the Cross will not waken love in the hearts of people then nothing will – for such love demands an answering love.
Our calling is to look at and acknowledge that great love and sacrifice. Then to receive it in humble gratitude and respond to it with our love. This will be reflected in our seeking to live a life worthy of such an amazing gift – focussed always on our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
Response:
Love the Lord your God with all Your heart, and with all your mind and with all your soul and with all your strength
Prayer:
Holy Spirit please open my spirit, heart and mind to the wonder and reality of the love of God –and pour that love into my heart, in Jesus Name. Amen.
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Softly, Spoke the River 