February 19, 2018

Riches of Understanding

“I want you to know how much I struggling for you and for those in Laodicea, and for all those who have not met me personally.  My purpose is that they would be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”  Col. 2:1-3

I come to encourage you, to continue to work together, knit in love, hearts connected to hearts in deep relationship, to reach, or attain the riches of understanding.  In the Greek, understanding is defined as “sunesis” – which is analyzing and discerning; a way of putting two and two together.  This discernment gives insight; some might say revelatory insight, into the mystery of God, where the ultimate treasure chest is found and unlocked.  It does not open to material gain, but rather to the true treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 

1 Cor. 1:30 describes these treasures a little more in depth, declaring that we who are in Christ Jesus have access to the revelation of wisdom and of righteousness, sanctification, and redemption – all of which the Lord is.  As He is Jehovah-tsidkenu, the Lord our Righteousness (Jer. 23), we who believe on Him are His righteousness (2 Cor. 5:21 and Rom 3:22).  Righteousness is a legal term, taken from the courts where all charges pressed against us have been paid for and we are acquitted.  The wrong, or sin, has been righted, by Jesus’ death.  He is also Jehovah- Mekoddishkem, the Lord our Sanctifier(Ex. 31:13).  As he sanctified Israel, He sanctifies us today, calling us a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and a chosen people (1Peter 2:9).  Sanctification is a temple term, describing how we are set apart and made holy in His sight.   And He is our Redeemer. Israel was redeemed by God in the book of Exodus, and the book of Ruth elaborates on the role of the kinsman-redeemer.  Jesus is our Kinsman-Redeemer, for redemption is a term to describe the enslaved who have been redeemed.  Boaz redeemed Ruth.  Jesus redeemed us through His shed blood upon a cross.  We are His redeemed, the sanctified, and the righteous – all because of Calvary.  It is grace and we get to wear it, and share it.  May we be grace-bearers for Christ.