Seeds for 3/29/2023 - Colossians 3:16

Scripture: “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

Observation: Yesterday the exhortation/blessing was to “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.” Today, another: “Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly.”

“Dwell among you” evokes a picture in my mind. I imagine a group of friends gathered around a campfire on a chilly evening. Maybe they’re in someone’s backyard. Perhaps they’re at a campground. Another person walks up and is immediately welcomed into the company. After a little conversation and even singing a few favorite tunes, everyone is acutely aware of how much their fellowship has been enriched by the addition of this guest. In fact, His presence has amplified the depth of their friendship and increased their joy at being together.

Of course we think of Christ this way, as well we should. That’s true. Here Paul invites us to consider both the person of Christ, and the message of Christ in that regard. What is that message? Reconciliation with God through His forgiveness and atoning sacrifice. Restoration in God’s image through His new life and His grace that matures us in Christian character. Redemption through His lordship in our lives. The hope of eternal life in Him.

How shall we let “the message of Christ” dwell among us—collectively, not just individually? In this case, Paul is thinking of worship and study: “as [we] teach and admonish” one another. In other words, learning and applying the Word. And note the mutuality of it—”one another.” This is done in community (“among you”), gathered together in the context of praise and thanksgiving. Wisdom is coming through psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, among other scriptural sources. The great musicians of church life—Wesley, Watts, Crosby, plus many others old and new—help us sing the faith as we praise the Lord.

Application:

• Where do you find conversations in which “the message of Christ” dwells among you richly?

• If you were in charge of community worship, what would be your top 3-4 songs for the service?

• What else might the Holy Spirit speaking with you about in the text today?

Prayer: Lord, build me up with your message of truth, hope, and grace. Keep me in Word and worship with your people. Amen.

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“But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.” (Matthew 13:23)

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