You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away.
Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins.
He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross.
In this way, he disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities.
He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross.
Colossians 2:13-15

Read:Matthew 26:17-30, Colossians 2:6-15
Pilgrim’s Progress Stage 3 Part 14

Relate: The interview is over. The food is prepared. The table is set. Now they all sit down, and the true fellowship may begin. When they do, the entire conversation is about the Lord of the Hill. It is about how this Lord is, what He has done, why He built this house, and the great cost of His ultimate victory. Much of this expands on Christian’s theology. He has been through the Gate. He has laid his burdens down at the cross. He has spoken to the Shining Ones. he has been given the seal. But now at Palace Beautiful, at church, the depth of His knowledge of our Savior deepens and expands. Note, this happens as Christian finds rest at the Table. He doesn’t rest from theology. He rests in it.

I remember many conversations around the family dinner table. When we would get together to share a meal, there was little considered off-limits. We could talk about anything. We could talk about whatever we wanted. But when Christian sits together with his spiritual family at the Table, their greatest and only desire is for their Lord. Reflection and inspection happened before they sat down. But once they did, all eyes were on Him.

React: Honestly, I don’t know what I could possibly add to what has already been said. I am half tempted to simply rewrite Colossians 2 and just drop the mic. Compared to all that He has done and everything it means for us, what more is there to say? Perhaps only what Christian has said: “That which puts the glory of grace into all He did was, that He did it out of pure love.” Abandoning heaven to live among us? That was His love. Wandering around homeless while teaching to an unappreciative and dull crowd that ultimately cried out for His death? That was His love. Walking the via dolorossa as they jeered and mocked and spat? That was His love. Taking the nails and taking our sin? That was His love. Rising from the grave after taking the keys and kicking down the gates of hell? That was His love. Establishing His church and adopting His family? That was His love. His love for us is so rich and beautiful and boundless. What about my love for Him?

Respond:

Dear God,
I am so thankful for what Your love has done. I am thankful that You paid the price. I am thankful that You won the victory. I am thankful that You built your church. And You did it all for love. Is it any wonder that You are my only focus and my desire. I pray that every time we gather at the Table, it would always only be for You.
Amen.