Wednesday, September 27
Overflowing
Scripture: Colossians 2
Colossians 2:6–7 Therefore, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, 7 rooted and built up in him and firm in your faith just as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.
Observation
Just as you received Christ, continue to live in Him. My first thought was how I received Jesus and went all in. I followed Jesus with abandon—not necessarily with maturity, but with abandon.
Paul uses four prepositional phrases to describe how they are to “continue to live your lives in Him” (literally, “walk in Him”).
“Having been rooted in Him” (perfect passive participle)—an agricultural metaphor. Picture a tree with deep roots. Those roots provide both nourishment that allows growth and stability that withstands wind. God rooted us deep into Jesus.
“Being built up in Him” (present passive participle)—an architectural metaphor. A building with a sure foundation can be built up higher. We are currently “under construction” as God keeps working on us, building us up.
“Being confirmed in your faith” (present passive participle)—a legal metaphor. This word was used in court for confirming evidence or testimony, and for the execution of a legal document like a will. They were continuing to receive teaching that confirmed their faith.
“Overflowing with thankfulness” (present active participle)—the only active participle. The other three reflect God’s action; this one is our action. God roots us, builds us, confirms us; we overflow with thanksgiving—the appropriate response to God’s gracious activity in our lives.
Application
First, I want to live with the same abandon for Jesus that I felt in those early years. As I received Christ, I want to live in Him.
Second, I want to overflow with thanksgiving for God’s work rooting, building, establishing me. I love the picture of overflowing—not a trickle, not an occasional thank you, but a flood, a torrent of thanksgiving that flows from me all day.
Prayer: Lord, I love You. Rekindle my fire! Help me serve You with the devotion of my youth…for all my life. Up and to the right to the end! And let me overflow with thanksgiving all day!
More: Isaiah 53-54, Psalm 112, Matthew 9