By Pastor Steve Nickodemus

Raised for Greater Things

“If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.”
Colossians 3:1 English Standard Version

When I went to Lutheran camp as a boy, one of the campfire songs that was sung was “We Are Climbing Jacob’s Ladder”.  I was a little puzzled by this song.  Do we have to climb up some sort of ladder to get to Jesus?  How high was that ladder?  Would I ever get to the top?  Would I reach Jesus?

The answer to these questions is found in Colossians 3, “If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above…” I had already been brought to Christ in my baptism!  My old sinful nature had died, and my new life given to me by Jesus is the life that I live.

But then what does it mean to “seek the things above”?  While we still live here on earth, sin and the devil tempt me to live as if I did not know Jesus.  But I know who I am, a baptized, redeemed child of God, and I will seek to practice and live as a child of the King!  I will seek to love and forgive and put away all sin in my life.  Jesus loves me and forgives me and give me his Holy Spirit that I might follow after him, not the things of this world.

Or in other words, Jesus has already raised me to himself and now he walks with me daily as I seek the things that are above.  Sometimes I may feel that I am not worthy of his love, especially when I slip into sin.  But Jesus forgives me and strengthens me and encourages me.  God has chosen me and he will never leave me.

Lord Jesus, thank you for saving me and choosing me as God’s child.  I want to follow you and draw closer to you every day.  Thank you for your forgiveness when I slip and fall and restoring me daily into your presence.  Amen.

Copyright Family of Christ Lutheran Church Colorado Springs, Colorado