Tuesday, December 22

Colossians 3:12-17
I know, I know. It’s three days before Christmas. If you’re like me, you’re probably still scrambling to finish up your Christmas shopping. You have no time to let the word of Christ dwell in you richly.

That’s all the more reason to let it. Let this word of Christ dwell in you. Go back and read Colossians 3:12-17 again. (I skimmed it the first time, too.) Settle into the passage and let it settle into you.

Do you hear those most amazing first words? As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved.

God’s chosen ones! Do you know who else God chose? God chose Israel to be his people. He chose Mary, the favored one, to deliver his Son into the world.

And he chose Jesus. Jesus is the ultimate chosen one, the ultimate beloved (Matthew 12:18).

We are among those God has chosen. We are among those God has called beloved. And as God’s chosen ones, we’re among those God calls to a life of faithfulness, a life of forgiveness, a life of love and thankfulness and wisdom.

Everything following verse 12 directs us in how to live, but those instructions are rooted in our identity as chosen ones. God’s love for us isn’t dependent upon our ability to follow his commands. But our character and our lives do rest fully on being God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved.

We are chosen. We are beloved. Let’s get that word into our hearts, and let’s live like it.

Prayer: I’m stunned, Lord, that you would choose me. I don’t fathom your ways, but I’m grateful that you call me your beloved. Along with all of your chosen ones, help me to live a life of faithfulness.