WEEK 3: MARCH 13-19

Resurrected, So What?

The Resurrection of Christ is not only good news at the end of the story, it is the power to raise us to life now. Paul describes this power in Colossians 3 by talking about the transformation of who we are. We are crucified with Christ and raised to life, and this truth should radically form how we live right now. Our personal life, our family, our jobs, and even our free time should all reflect the reality that we now have an identity formed not of this world, but in Christ. Consider this truth and Colossians 3 as you prayerfully work through this week’s devotionals.

MARCH 14
Set Your Hearts on Things Above
By Laura McPherson

This season is one of my favorite times of the year. It is full of hope, new life, fresh starts, beautiful flowers, and gratitude for this wonderful world that the Lord has allowed me to live in. Not only does Spring bring this energy to me, so does the anticipation of Easter. As difficult as it is to remember Christ’s suffering and death, it is absolutely glorious to celebrate His resurrection! What He did for me, for you, for all of us is an example of the deepest love anyone can know. God wants us to live in his freedom and to thoroughly invest in this precious life He has given us. His son died for us and rose again so that we can have access to God’s freedom every day through the new covenant of Jesus Christ.

In Colossians, the apostle Paul wrote to the church at Colossae because they were mixing non-Christian beliefs, Jewish legalism, and other religious customs and practices with their Christian faith. He wanted to remind them of who they are in Christ. As found in Colossians 3:1, Paul wanted them to understand, as Christians, they should be “…setting their hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.”

Today, many believe that we would never combine unchristian beliefs and practices with our Christianity. Yet, many of us find ourselves mixing fads, certain customs, and enticing new ideas with our faith. Often, we find ourselves trying to fit our faith into these things. It may be through purchases we make, friends we keep, places we visit, shows we watch, and actions we can rationalize as okay. Deep inside we feel conflicted. This is the Holy Spirit speaking to us. Before His death and resurrection, Jesus promised us that He would leave us the Holy Spirit and His peace. See John 14:25-27 and Colossians 3:15. He has given us so much! Not only did He leave us the Holy Spirit and His peace, He gave us the path to eternal life, He showed us the way to live day by day, He is allowing us to be His hands and feet, He calls us His chosen people and many other glorious things! We are truly blessed!

When Easter comes and we celebrate our freedom through Christ’s death and resurrection I cannot wait to sing “Up from the grave he arose…..He arose! He arose! Hallelujah! Christ arose,” and another favorite “Christ the Lord is risen today, Alleluia!” As found in Colossians 3:16, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.”

Where do you feel your faith and your life are conflicting?

How might the Holy Spirit be nudging you to focus more fully on God?