Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, …
Summary: This passage is a refreshing change of pace in Paul’s letter. He reminds us that our faith is not based on fear, but rather is couched in love.
As we turn to look at this verse, the first five words are a show-stopper. Paul says we are “God’s chosen people!” Reading this gives us a reason to smile!
So much of Paul’s letter to the Colossians sounds almost critical. It feels a bit like a stern lecture from a grandparent. Yet, even after admonitions of putting our “earthly nature” to death, Paul suddenly turns and says something nice!
We are “God’s chosen people!”
There is something delightfully reassuring about that statement.
Not only are we God’s chosen people, but we are “holy” and cherished by our Creator!
Never mind that Paul is going to dive into another round of instructions on things we need to be doing because we are God’s people. Stop for a moment and smell the roses! Enjoy the aroma of God’s love for us. Revel in the glory of being chosen by God.
Solomon reminds us, “Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind” (Ecclesiastes 12:13). Fearing God is a reasonable response to the idea of being confronted by our Maker. Not only is God the most powerful being in the universe, he is the reason the universe can exist at all. Without God, we cannot exist.
God’s existence is, in a very real way, the sword of Damocles. Hanging over our heads by the slenderest of threads is the sword of reality, of judgment, and ultimately, the knowledge that we all die.
“Aye, there’s the rub,” as Shakespeare’s Hamlet so famously pointed out.
If death comes and we are not right with God, the consequences are as terrifying as they are long-lasting.
The fear of death is real, and we fear it for a reason. For those who do not know God, death is the great unknown and a fearful one to boot.
Having read this much of Paul’s letter to the Colossians, we know there is hope, and hope’s name is Jesus Christ. As Jesus says to Jarius, the synagogue leader, “Do not be afraid; only believe” (Mark 5:36).
When we believe something wonderful happens. The reality of God begins to fill our lives. For some, it happens quickly. Other times it moves more slowly. But the reality of God is unmistakable.
Instead of a sword hanging over our heads, we find ourselves swept up into the loving arms of our Father in heaven. We truly are “God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved.”
Application: Do not be afraid; only believe!
Food for Thought: What is unique about “God’s chosen people?”
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