S226P4 – The power of the blood: peace established
Col. 1:15-20
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.
When that baby was born, the waiting room was overflowing. He was the first son, the first nephew, the first grandchild, the firstborn of the next generation. They could not stop talking about how cute and sweet and precious he was. He was truly the apple of every eye in that family. There was no shortage of babysitters ready to watch him when needed. His parents wanted for nothing as everyone in the family was there to chip in. There was nothing but love for that child, so it was strange to consider the truth of the matter. That sweet little thing was also born in sin, at enmity with God, in need of a Savior just as much as anyone else.
Jesus did not die for us once we were on good terms with him. He saved us in the midst of our being enemies of God, which is our natural state. [Rom. 5:10] Our spirits were at war with his; we were not friends. Between us and the Lord were hostility and opposition. Our way is to follow our sinful nature, and his way is to follow him and deny ourselves. There was no peace in that relationship because there could be no peace without intervention. That is where the blood of Christ comes in. Yet, we are not the only ones who have been reconciled to the Lord through his blood. The entire corrupted creation, that which is on Earth and in heaven, has been brought to peace with him.
The scriptures tell us that Christ will return to make all things new. There will be new heavens and a new Earth. [Rev. 21:1-4] We will have new glorified bodies. [Phi. 3:20-21] The effects of the fall of mankind will be no more; sin and death will be defeated. Everything that ever created turmoil and controversy between the Creator and his creation will be no more. It is by his very own spilled blood that this can be accomplished. It is the blood of peace that has brought not merely a few things but all things into reconciliation with him. Father, thank You for this blood that renews and makes peace, that gives us hope for a future where all is restored.