Rescued!

Rescued!

For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves,

Colossians 1:13 NIV

Every description of an audience is relevant to the expectation of God from that audience. Today's extract is addressed to 'God's Holy people', not just anyone or to the general crowd. Too many times, we want to blend in because we do not want to be noticed or talked about, but if my life will make sense and impact, it has to ruffle feathers, upset some people or challenge compromise. God's holy people are ordinary, but called by an extraordinary God to do extraordinary things. Am I one? Are you? 

For all who know who they are in God and what this God has called them into, go ahead and learn what his expectations are. We all deserved the death that is the natural consequence of our sin, and indeed we died, even if not physically. God's love makes it impossible for him not to provide a way of escape for all of us; therefore by his son Jesus, the power of sin is permanently dealt with, and its sting completely neutralized. God would not be Lord and master of all, if there was anything that his power could not control, uphold or defeat. 

In that light, today's extract stands out. This is an offer I must take very seriously, as it is an offer with eternal consequences. I must also note that both are powerful, reflecting dominion and authority. The devil has his sphere of authority, and he has dominion over all who are under his control. God also has a kingdom, and all who have surrendered their lives to him are under his control. I am not really free in the sense of freedom to do as I please, as I am a slave to the kingdom I surrender to. Which one am I serving? Which one is in control?

Jesus is the only one who can rescue a man from the power of death and the devil. It does not matter how long the bondage has lasted; all it takes for authority to change hands is total surrender. When Jesus saves from death, He does not leave you hanging; he brings you into a new relationship with his Father. Jesus has a kingdom that is being prepared for him by his father; its fullness awaits the rapture of all who have given their lives to Jesus. It is an appointment we must prepare for and look forward to. Am I ready? Are you? God's time of favour is here.