January 24, 2022

“You have died with Christ, and he has set you free from the spiritual powers of this world. So why do you keep on following the rules of the world….” (Colossians 2:20)

When you are anxious/stressed/addled the first question to ask yourself is this: “what law am I laboring under right now?” And then, “How has the gospel already delivered me from that law?”

For instance, if you are starting some new job or venture or relationship, you will likely be laboring under all kinds of expectations from others and yourself. The law ramps up the pressure to perform and excel. 

But the gospel tells a different story – you have already been accepted – and not just accepted, but delighted in – by the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. You are free to fail or to muddle along or to thrive! Any of those options is just fine with God. He doesn’t play by the rules of the world.

“Almighty and everlasting God, you govern all things both in heaven and on earth: Mercifully hear the supplications of your people, and in our time grant us your peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.” (Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany – BCP)