Isn’t freedom wonderful? We celebrate our nation’s freedom every 4th of July. We are reminded of the freedom everyday that we hear another soldier has given his last full measure of devotion. What about the freedoms we enjoy because of the devotion of Christ? Our freedom in Jesus is a gracious gift from God. Colossians 2:16-23 explains that you are free from two potential spiritual life parasites.
You are free from legalistic requirements
This does not mean of course that there are no commands for the Christian life. However, the text makes it clear that the rules associated with eating and drinking, religious festivals, and Sabbaths were filled up in the person and ministry of Jesus (vv. 16-17). Requirements like these were engulfed in the wonderful work of Jesus. It is simply not true that those who obey more rules are godlier. Those who are godlier are those who passionately pursue Jesus.
In fact, in vv. 20-23 the same point is made even stronger. There are times that imposing a series of rules actually does nothing to keep oneself godly (v. 23). Thus, the irony is that the more rules that are placed on a person, the more likely it is that they will remain immature. Instead, the believer is to remember his or her emancipation due to the death of Jesus.
You are free from mystical worship
Most of us do not struggle with this one. But for those inclined to the mystical side of spirituality there is always a danger that Jesus gets placed behind various rituals or what seems to be information only available to those on the “inside.” Jesus frees you from all that. Our worship needs to be about Jesus; and that information is available to all.
So, today, let us encourage you to pursue Jesus. Pray to him, seek after him, and delight in your relationship with him.
