The Rescue Mission

Read: Colossians 1:11-14

He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people, who live in the light. For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son. Colossians 1:12-13

IN WORD

Scripture is the story of a rescue mission. Not long after the beginning of the story, a rebellion marred a beautiful creation, enslaved the rebels, and put the world into the hands of an evil impostor ruler. God’s rescue mission involved piercing the darkness that shrouded the world and freeing the slaves who had formerly rebelled against Him. The Son of the King invaded the depths of darkness and emerged to the height of glory. It was a brilliant plan that not only stripped the enemy of his victories but re-created the human race into something greater than it was at first.

That’s why this was more than a rescue mission. Jesus didn’t just deliver us from danger and put us into a place of safety. He opened the doorway into the family so we could share in the inheritance. We have been put in a position of honor and privilege, free from our self-imposed captivity, healed of our self-inflicted wounds, and cleansed of our self-promoting sins. Colossians 1 tells that story, urging us to believe it and enter into its promise. If we do, we are transferred from death and darkness to life and light. And that makes a world of difference.

IN DEED

It’s possible to read this story with such familiarity that it no longer excites us, and many people do. But whatever it takes, try to read it with fresh eyes as though you’ve never known it before. Notice the trajectory of the Rescuer—from extreme height to extreme depth to extreme height again—and how your own trajectory is folded into His by faith. When that really sinks in, nothing in life is ever the same again. Your inheritance includes the fullness of God’s presence and all the blessings of His Kingdom. And that is worth celebrating forever.

ADDITIONAL READING: Ephesians 1:3-11

O for a thousand tongues to sing my great Redeemer’s praise, the glories of my God and King, the triumphs of His grace!

CHARLES WESLEY