Colossians 2:23d – The Fourth Clue

Picture of Sherlock Holmes character looking at a clue.

… and their harsh treatment of the body …

Summary: Paul completes his list of examples of the characteristics of worldly rules. 

So far, Paul has given us three clues to help us recognize worldly religious “rules.” 

The first clue was that a religious rule would have the “appearance of wisdom.” This, we decided, would look like wisdom, but it would not be rooted in the fear of the Lord. By the same token, real wisdom brings with it knowledge and understanding. False wisdom, on the other hand, does not satisfy the intellect. Finally, real wisdom is “pleasant to your soul,” while the other kind leaves a bitter taste. 

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What is in a Name? – John 17: 11

I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name, the name you gave me, so that they may be one as we are one.

In today’s passage, Jesus once again shows us that he is not from around here. He says he is coming to the Father and that he will not “remain” in the world any longer. Jesus is a man who knows where he is going. He knows because he is also God, eternal and timeless.

He then asks that the Father protect those he leaves in the world. How? By the power of…?

Jesus asks that God keep his people protected by the power of His name. Then he adds, “… the name you gave me…” Now, which name is that? Whose name is that?

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