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Scripture:
"Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving." (Colossians 2:6-7 NIV)Reflection:
Last Sunday we learned regarding Solomon’s downfall. Solomon’s self-indulgence led him to worship other gods despite starting up well in his early life under David’s guidance, "I am about to go the way of all the earth. Be strong, and show yourself a man, and keep the charge of the LORD your God, walking in his ways and keeping his statutes, his commandments, his rules, and his testimonies, as it is written in the Law of Moses, that you may prosper in all that you do and wherever you turn, that the LORD may establish his word that he spoke concerning me, saying, 'If your sons pay close attention to their way, to walk before me in faithfulness with all their heart and with all their soul, you shall not lack a man on the throne of Israel.'" (1 Kings 2:2-4)Pastor Yun emphasized last Sunday, the blessing (of relationship) that a man receives from the Word of God. "Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law, he meditates day and night." (Psalm 1:1-2)
1. Walking with Jesus
Jesus is the very Word of God. "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men." (John 1:1)Even though Solomon was raised and started well as a King, he led himself to his own ruin when He violated God’s commands. In our faith, having a good start is very important but it shouldn’t end there "Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving. (Colossians 2:6-7). After receiving Christ, we should therefore continue to walk (present tense – steady, daily effort) in Him. Why did Paul write this? Because it is possible that you have received Jesus, but do not walk with Him every day. Therefore you are not rooted, built up and established in the faith. Walking with God needs you to be deeply rooted in Christ.
It doesn’t matter if you are not the wisest person in the world like Solomon, what matters more is that you remain in God and continue to walk in Him as you live in this world.
2. Jesus is the Source of Life
Roots are the hidden parts of the tree, but are very essential. It connects them to the source of Life. "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly." (John 10:10). If we are not rooted in Jesus, we become like dead trees. Standing but dying inside, because we are all dried up. If you feel this way, then it’s about time to return to the source.On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, "If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, 'Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.'" (John 7:37-38)
Conclusion:
God wants to prevent you from your own ruin. Look at what Solomon said when he realized his mistakes. "Then I considered all that my hands had done and the toil I had expended in doing it, and behold, all was vanity and a striving after wind, and there was nothing to be gained under the sun." (Ecclesiastes 2:11). This is what he said after rewarding himself with different things from this world (under the sun). He described everything he had as "nothing".Like what I said, we are like trees; but the difference is that we were given the right to choose where we want to be rooted into. In the last passage of the book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon concluded in a simple reminder and a warning "The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil." (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14)
Where are you rooted right now?
Photo by: Wilmalyn Claire Almeria
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