Colossians 3:1-4 - “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.”

One of the most delightful childhood games is “hide-and-seek”. Usually the parent plays “it” and the child makes the best effort to find a corner of the house, going under furniture and blankets in order to not be discovered until the opportunity comes with the clearing to get back to base for safety. All the fun is in the subdued giggling and the restraint of noise-making underneath the covers, to be finally released in all-out laughter of getting caught or revealed at the triumph of victory on base!

It is impossible to know the exact outworking of what Paul meant by our lives being hidden with Christ in God. It is certainly a mystery we will know in the end, but the encouragement of the after effect is clear. When Jesus appears we will also appear with him in glory! Almost like the game of hide and seek, the highlight is the discovery where we will also be revealed, and appear with Him in glory, on that last day. Until then, we are exhorted to set our hearts and our minds on things above while living here on earth.

Perhaps in the present our enjoyment is like that of a child giggling inside in anticipation of discovery, so our daily living can be with the foresight that one day we will also appear and be revealed along with Jesus in glory!

Prayer: Lord, since my life is hidden with Christ, help me to set my heart and my mind on things above. We look forward to that one day where we will appear with Jesus in glory. Until then, help me to look to you and not on earthly things. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Song: Endless Hallelujah by Matt Redman
https://youtu.be/vny6oFHw1Sw

-MK