Episode 66

This week is a really big week for the church. I saw a graphic on Facebook that said “A lot can happen in seven days” and to prove it, the graphic contained side-by-side line drawings of a palm branch, a crown of thorns, a cross on a hill, and a stone rolled away from a tomb.

Yes, a lot can happen in seven days.

The palm branches are behind us on our calendar and the cross and empty tomb are before us. This is the perfect time to share with you what Paul wrote to the Colossians about how believers participate in the death and resurrection of Jesus. I really like how the Message interprets the verses I chose for today. As I read Colossians 2:8-15, keep in mind that The Message does not give an exact translation of the original text, but it does present a beautiful description of being crucified with Christ and being resurrected into a life of freedom from sin.

A more literal translation from my NIV Study Bible puts this Colossians 2:14-15 way: “having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; [Jesus Christ] has taken it away, nailing it to the cross. And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.” But I sure love the word picture found in The Message: Think of it! All sins forgiven, the slate wiped clean, that old arrest warrant canceled and nailed to Christ’s cross. He stripped all the spiritual tyrants in the universe of their sham authority at the Cross and marched them naked through the streets.

I love the idea of Jesus marching demons naked through the streets! Hear me say that those demons may be powerful, but they have no authority over you. Jesus destroyed the power of sin when he died for you. He paid the debt of your sin and canceled any claim the powers of hell have over you. You are victorious because Jesus wears the victor’s crown.

10-Day Reading Plan
http://bible.us/r/6Ra

Longing to Belong: Discovering the Joy of Acceptance is now available for purchase on Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, Walmart.com, Booksamillion.com and Christianbook.com. It’s also available for download to your Kindle or from the Apple store for your iBooks app. Or visit my website to purchase a copy at shawnamariebryant.com

This week’s scripture: Colossians 2:8-15