Ok, here’s how it goes down. Some of the both of you who read this blog also read that of my buddy/pastor Jeff. All three of us know he’s not quite right in the head (and that’s what makes him so lovable). He’s been camping out in Ephesians these last few days and has been blown away by what he’s found, right? Well, little does he know that what Paul wrote about in Ephesians just sets you up for what he’ll then say in Colossians.

I ran smack dab into Colossians and didn’t see it coming. Looking over my shoulder to see where I’d been, then “BAM!” Just like that, there it was, smacked up right up side the head. I’ve read the crazy book dozens of times, right? Nothing new to find there; always interesting to read what you already know; reinforce what you already think/believe. Then, when you least expect it, “POW!”

I got run over pretty significantly today in chapter 3 (we don’t even want to talk about chapters 1 and 2 — at least not yet). Some of the “bruises” I’ve discovered on my face after being hit:

• Get into the realities of heaven — really think about it. Now, this blew me away. Yeah, I know that heaven is where we plan on going. But Paul slaps a new bumper sticker on the whole concept here. He wants us to have a caffeine-type jolt look at heaven — what’s going to be happening, what we’re gonna be doing. He leads you to believe that there’s a whole lot more to it than what we’re thinking. Don’t just have a few simple, quick thoughts about it, like watching a gazelle run by being chased by a lion. Lie down on it, wallow around in it, rub your back all over it, plop down spreadeagled in it and stare at the universe. It’s the antithesis of the realities of earth . . . hmmmm, what does that imply? We’re gonna be smeared all over with this “glory” thing and, from the way he talks about it, being dunked in the glory pool is gonna be some kinda nice!
• Your “real” life is “hidden” with Christ. My “real” life? What in the tarnations does that mean? I’m living my “real” life, right? Paul’s got me thinking that maybe I’m not. He gives me a little clue when he states that “Christ, who is your life…” The Jesus Lord comes back, whups up on the Evil One, takes his people back to this heaven place and then I get to “share,” personally, with the Jesus Lord in that “glory” thing. I need to spend some more time ruminating on this one.
• God is pretty bent out of shape because of sin; that means he was pretty upset with me, too. But he yanked me up out of the muck and put me behind him. Now he and the Evil One are going to duke it out and he doesn’t want me getting hurt. “Stay behind me son, Daddy’s going to teach Mr. Lucifer a lesson.”
• I need to suck it up and be like the Jesus Lord. I’m the child of the Holy One of Israel. Act like it! Seems that he’s saying: “People do you wrong, you act like the Jesus Lord, not like the jackass who’s wronging you!” I need to be the walking sandwich board advertisement man. Don’t matter what happens and what it costs me. My “real” life is that of a prince of heaven and I’m covered with glory. Dang! Makes you want to shout!

Wonder what I’m referencing? Here is the text — Colossians 3:1-17 (NLT): 

1 Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. 2 Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. 3 For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory.

 5 So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world. 6 Because of these sins, the anger of God is coming. 7 You used to do these things when your life was still part of this world. 8 But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. 9 Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds. 10 Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him. 11 In this new life, it doesn’t matter if you are a Jew or a Gentile, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbaric, uncivilized, slave, or free. Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us.

 12 Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13 Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. 14 Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.

 16 Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. 17 And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.