“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” – Colossians 2:6-7
A few weeks ago, a tornado tore through Shawnee. Thankfully, the tornado was limited in strength. It was bad enough! Houses were damaged, businesses were forced to close, and so many power polls and trees were broken. The storm damage covered a large part of the town.
St. Luke’s has spent time and money helping people recover from the tornado. I have been so glad to work alongside so many people that have given their energy to bless those whose lives were interrupted by this tornado. While out working, I have seen so many trees with damage. Some of the trees will recover, but sadly, some trees were completely uprooted and turned over. The high winds pushed the large trees right out of the ground. The tornado revealed that these trees were able to grow tall but had no roots.
The Apostle Paul was concerned about the young church growing in this same way. Paul wanted more and more people to come to know Jesus. He wanted the church to grow, but he was deeply concerned that God’s people were “rooted” in their faith in Christ Jesus. He wanted them to keep their focus on Jesus. Knowing and reflecting on the love, grace, and work of Jesus in the world keeps God’s people from being overcome by the storms of life.
One of the reasons Paul writes the book of Colossians was to communicate what he knows about God. He wanted to grow the faith of the church. He wanted that faith to grow deep in good soil. Paul writes, “My goal is that they may 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.” (Colossians 2:2-3)
Our faith is strengthened when we learn about Jesus. Our faith takes root when we allow ourselves time to reflect on who God is and what it means to us. Our faith, our trust is in the good and loving nature of God, revealed in Christ Jesus, our Lord. May you take time today to think about Jesus and let your roots go deep.
– Rev. Keith King, Pastor of Worship
