A brief mediation for Easter.
The epistle reading for Easter day is Colossians 3:1-4. So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth, 3 for you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is your life is revealed, then you also will be revealed with him in glory. NRSV
Reading these words it raises the question, how well are we following this short passage? Are we focussing on our limitations, or maybe we feel afraid either for ourselves or for members of our family or folk in the wider community, alternatively does it give us a glimpse of how things really are!. This passage can help to get us properly focussed.
1]. So if you have been raised with Christ– This is not a question but a statement. Jesus died and rose again. In baptism you are incorporated into his new life. From Jesus you have received a new status. Paul is saying that needs to always be our starting point. You have been given a new life, the old has gone, a new way forward is now open to you because of Jesus Christ.
2]. seek the things that are above, Many of us have a quite restricted lifestyle at the moment, not at all what we are used to. This can be quite oppressive and indeed become all consuming. Paul’s word here is very appt, “Don’t let your present circumstances overwhelm you”. The book of Proverbs says much the same thing; Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Prov.3:5-6 NRSV One of the good things that keeping close contact with the Lord is that God will always show you a way forward, but first you have to take your mind off the problem. How can that be done? Firstly by recognising how powerful is the Lord. Secondly, by truly recognising that through Jesus you do have a new status and with that new status you have new resources.
3]. where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Paul is not asking us to simply forget our troubles nor bury our head in the sand. Seated at the right hand is to be in the place of authority and through that authority comes the word of command. As we look up to the seat of authority we are putting ourselves back under Christ’s command. As we look to where Christ is seated we are awaiting instructions. It is that instruction that puts us on the right pathway, the pathway that brings us true fulfilment and satisfaction. We should not be afraid of being under the command of Jesus for he always has our welfare in mind.
Having been raised with Christ we are in Christ. In Christ we have peace with God as a gift. Christ deals with us gently and we are covered with God’s kindness and forgiveness. Peace is ours in Christ and we are equipped to face life in his name.
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