“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.
“And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him.” Colossians 1:15-22
Some portray God as a thundering Judge out to make miserable those who dwell on His earth. Whether out of fear, or bitterness, it is certainly out of ignorance of what He delights to do. When God sent Jesus, He was pleased to do so. He announced His good pleasure with Him at His baptism by his cousin John. And here we are told God was pleased not only to dwell in Him, but to reconcile sinners through Him. This is a lofty, lovely truth that should awaken stout praise, not castigation. (Matthew 3:13-17)
What makes His pleasure all the more intriguing, and almost unbelievable, is who we were when He expressed His delight. Alienated and hostile- unwelcoming and rebellious and resistant, YET He was pleased to dwell among us to reconcile us to God. Alleluia! His pleasure comes by doing His Father’s will and living out His perfect nature of love and mercy. How does this encourage and motivate us? (John 1:14; 6:38; Romans 5:6-11)
Considering Christ’s pleasure in fulfilling His Father’s will for us, do we delight in the same for Him? If it is not an honest confession that we delight to do His will, what are we choosing instead, and what satisfaction is it bringing? Would we ask to be willing to be made willing to have our affections reordered? How can we begin to take joy in putting off our rebel bent, in obedience, in growing spiritually, in meaningful fellowship and service of the saints? (Psalm 40:8)
The Lord who is pleased to save us dwells among us to chide and strengthen, correct and direct. He convicts of sin, prunes for fruitfulness, and rejoices in our ongoing sanctification. He cheers us on to persevere, and when we keep faith. What selfishness needs be put away, what changes in my mindset made, for me to wholeheartedly desire to please God above myself or others? What do my attitude, choices, and actions toward others reveal about the object of my heart’s pleasure?
If God was so pleased to send His Son, and the Son is pleased to reconcile me, how will I please my Lord by offering myself so many can know the delights of salvation?
Father, may I so live and love that many see You dwelling in me and desire reconciliation.
As the rain and snow 
Colossians will always remind me of that 3-year round of BSF Retreats where I heard teaching on it over and over and never got tired of it! I am praying and asking the Lord to reorder my affections and saving this devotional to reread!! Love and miss you, friend!
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