Colossians 3:1-4
Therefore, because you were raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
Dear Heavenly Father,
We thank you for the peace of forgiveness, heaven’s hope, and the joy of salvation that come to us because Christ died and rose for our sins. We were trapped in our sin and only focused on our earthly survival. However, you sent your Son to sacrifice himself for our sins. Out of your love and mercy, you sent Jesus to save us, fallen people, and his resurrection is the proof you have accepted his payment for our sins. All these gifts come to us through faith which the Holy Spirit began in us through your word and sacraments. The Holy Spirit has, through our baptisms, connected us to Jesus’ death and resurrection. So, our focus is no longer on the things of this temporary life and our earthly survival but on our permanent life in heaven and sustaining our faith. Faith is not something that is tangible or visible but is in each one of us and, as Paul wrote, hidden with Christ in God. Jesus knows everyone who believes in him, and we will all be restored to Jesus. Lord, we thank you for the salvation that is ours, which you delivered through faith in Jesus, knowing that we will one day soon appear in glory with Christ. Amen.
Written through Pastor Roger Emmons
While our faith is hidden in Christ, it is also displayed for others. So through Jesus’ love and mercy, we have something extraordinary to share with others. Through faith, we have the peace of forgiveness and eternal life.