The Kingdom of Light
When we talk about the gospel of Jesus, we most often talk about Jesus’ crucifixion, death, burial, and resurrection. As Christians, these are the truths that we believe in that grant us salvation, and are an important part of the New Testament message.
But there is more that happens behind the scenes of Jesus’ death. Paul unpacks some of those things in the letter he writes to the Colossian church.
Through his resurrection, Jesus conquered the evil supernatural powers that oppose God. Jesus proved Himself victorious over death and darkness—they cannot defeat Him or overthrow His Kingdom.
This is why Paul says that we have been rescued from the dominion of darkness. Before we were part of God’s family, we were held captive in darkness by our own way that opposed God. In fact, later in the same chapter of Colossians, Paul says:
"Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior."
Colossians 1:21 NIV
However, since Jesus conquered death and was victorious over the kingdom of darkness, we too are rescued and freed from our old ways as well. We are forgiven in Christ and given a new life in God’s kingdom–this is what Paul calls "redemption."
Death has no dominion over us, if we accept the life Jesus freely offers to us.
We are now called a new creation in Jesus, and the Spirit of God dwells within us, guiding us toward what God planned for us.
Take a moment to consider the greatness and goodness of Jesus. Thank Him for all that He has done for you, specifically for making a way to have a relationship with Him, free from your old ways. He is victorious!
Undeserved Mercies
When someone hurts you or, worse, hurts somebody that you love, revenge can seem appealing. After all…
They were mean.
They were selfish.
They talked behind your back.
They broke a vital promise.
They lied about you.
They criticized you.
They ignored you.
They did the unthinkable.
They walked away.
They deserve to be punished, right? To feel some of that same pain? They deserve a consequence that will not only help them learn, but will be just as severe as the inflicted wounds.
And yet—because God sees things differently, both His standards and tactics can be surprising. And that’s why the apostle Paul, writing to the believers in Thessaloniki, said:
“See that no one pays back evil for evil, but always try to do good to each other and to all people.”
1 Thessalonians 5:15 NLT
Paul’s words sound a lot like Jesus’ words—to love your neighbor as yourself; to do to others what you’d like them to do to you. (See: Matthew 22:38-40)
God’s ways ...