How often, when we pray, do we mainly focus on what we want? Yes, when catastrophic events occur, such as the current bushfires in drought-stricken Australia, we pray for God’s mercy that he might send drenching rain. That said, don’t we expect God to answer our personal requests so that we can enjoy life to the full?

The quest for life in all its fullness is not new. Back in the 1960s the solution was reckoned to be found in sex, drugs and rock-n-roll. Yet the aspirations of the themes of ‘Love, sweet love,’ and ‘Lucy in the sky with diamonds’ and Woodstock, revealed their dark side in the nightmare of Charles Manson and his set. The hopes and dreams of the 1960s proved to be false.

Further back in history, in the first century Roman world, people often looked for solutions in spiritual experiences. And, as happens today, some of these ideas began to spill over into the life of the early churches – the church in Colossae, for example. While there doesn’t seem to have been a specific false teaching there, Paul the Apostle saw the need in his Letter to the Colossians to challenge a false understanding of fullness that went beyond the truth of God’s gospel that they had embraced (Colossians 1:6).

Indeed, from comments Paul makes in chapter 2:18, we learn that the Colossians wanted a knowledge and an experience of God that seems to have been influenced by a Jewish mysticism (merkabah mysticism) that claimed to carry as if in a chariot into the very presence of God, those who scrupulously observed the law.

To provide some context, in the first part of chapter 1 of his Letter, Paul had thanked God for the faith, love, and hope of the Christian believers in the city of Colossae. These people had responded to the breaking news about God which Paul calls the word of the truth.

He continues with a prayer of petition: For this reason, since the day we heard it, we have not ceased praying for you… And it’s important we note for what he prays: Asking God that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding… (1:9).

He prays for two aspects of growth. In verse 9 he prays for growth in their thinking— hence, knowledge, wisdom, understanding. In verse 10 he prays for growth in their lifestyle – and so, living a life …;   pleasing …;    bearing fruit …

There is an instructive link between thinking and lifestyle. Paul prays for growth in knowing God and his ways so that God’s people may grow in a life of Christian integrity. This is essential if we want to see spiritual renewal. Psalm 143:10 puts it this way: Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. Let your good spirit lead me on a level path.

Notice, the psalm doesn’t say, Lord, teach me your will… But rather, teach me to do your will… The psalm-writer knows God’s will, but needs to be taught to do it. This is why Paul asks that the Colossians may be filled with the knowledge of God’s will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding…

Spiritual wisdom picks up an Old Testament theme: the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. This is not an abject fear of God, but rather the humble recognition of God’s might, majesty, dominion and power.

Fullness. Paul’s prayer points to the way we can begin to experience life to the full. It involves a  spiritual understanding which comes, not through ecstatic spiritual experiences or repetitious mantra, but through an understanding of the will of God learned through regular and thoughtful Bible reading. Getting to know God, as with every relationship, takes time.

All this is not simply an abstract exercise: as we get to know God and his mind, so our lives are changed and increasingly bear the fruit of living life to the full. Indeed, a clearer understanding of God equips us to live lives more worthy of him. And this includes discerning ways we can be more responsible in our care of the world in which we live.

With the many and varied changes around us – secular materialism, the disdain for Christianity, the changed attitudes to sexuality, the political divisions in the West, the issues of climate, and the rise of China – we might wonder about the future. Indeed, The Weekend Australian(December 28-29) headlines the last ten years, ‘A Decade of Disruption’.

In the course of his ministry Jesus spoke of events that would unfold (Luke 12:35-48; 17:20-37). And in Luke 21 he spoke more specifically about two events – the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem, and an end of time. It’s not surprising that the disciples asked: “Teacher, when will these things be, and what will be the sign when these things are about to take place?”(Luke 21:7).

Convulsions (21:8-11). Jesus begins his response with a specific warning against false prophets who will come in his name. Over the centuries many have predicted the end-time. In the late 20th century for example, Harold Camping predicted the world would end around 1994, and when that passed he identified another date, May 21, 2011, and then another, October 21, 2011.

That said, we can easily become complacent about Jesus’ warning. We forget his central teaching that there is to be an end of all things as we know them. There will be wars and tumults, he says. “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and pestilences. And there will be terrors and great signs from heaven” (21:10f).

In contrast to the optimism of people who say that the world will only get better through human effort, Jesus knows us and tells us that conflicts will not cease. He also says that volcanoes and earthquakes, bushfires, floods and droughts should not take us by surprise.

Nations will rise and fall, empires will come and go, and catastrophic seismic events will continue. Yes, we need to care for the environment as best we can, but most of all we should treat the events around us as reminders of the uncertainty and fragility of life and our world.

Some thirty-five years after Jesus predicted the destruction of the Jewish Temple, the Roman armies under Titus laid siege to Jerusalem from 67-70AD. It was one of the most devastating acts of war in history. Without mercy the people of Jerusalem were put to the sword.

In the course of his words about Jerusalem and its Temple, Jesus warns that these events would not be the conclusion of God’s plan. One more stage remains. The return of God’s king.

There are times when great and unexpected events occur – events that impact the course of history – for example, the fall of the Berlin Wall in November 1989, and the destruction of the twin towers in New York on September 11, 2001. The first brought joy, the second fear and anger – that led to war.

In Luke 21:25-28 Jesus speaks of the coming of the ‘Son of Man’ in a style of language known as ‘apocalyptic’. “And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars,” he says, “and on the earth distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves” (21:25).

The phrase, ‘the Son of Man’, is a reference to Daniel 7:13f where we read: “I saw in the night visions, and behold, with the clouds of heaven there came one like a son of man, and he came from the Ancient of Days and he was presented before him. And to him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him; his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, …”

The coming of the Son of Man will be accompanied by such strange and forbidding events that people will faint with fear and foreboding… (21:26). It is the scene of the end of time, when ‘the Son of Man’ will be seen for who he truly is.

It is easy to overlook Jesus’ prophecy. During his ministry he spoke of his arrest, death and resurrection. He also spoke of the destruction of Jerusalem and its temple. Now he speaks of the return of God’s king. His first two predictions came true. We should not dismiss the fulfilment of his third prophecy. On that day everyone “will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory” (Luke 21:27).

It’s important we heed Jesus’ words: “Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near” (Luke 21:28).

As we enter a new calendar year, let’s not be fearful about the future but, knowing God is in charge, stay alert and, putting our hand in the hand of God, pray for the day of the return of the great King.

May you know God’s comfort and joy in the New Year!

The world around us seems to be growing more selfish and corrupt. The values that spring from a general acknowledgment that we are the special creation of a personal God are gathering dust on the shelf of history. Parents are concerned about the influences of social media and the impact of gender issues. Drugs and alcohol, homelessness, violence and rape seem more prevalent.

Furthermore, divisions within governments in the Western world are constantly before us. ‘Are Western democracies becoming ungovernable?’ we might ask. Where do we look for hope?

Consider what Paul the Apostle writes in Titus 2:11: For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all.

Grace is a word found consistently in the New Testament. It speaks of a compassion or mercy shown towards someone who is undeserving. Graceechoes the idea of agape love.

The verb appeared tells us that we wouldn’t know anything about God’s love or grace unless He himself had revealed it. And, Paul tells us, God’s grace is supremely revealed in his personal involvement in our rescue. The birth of Jesus, his life, his death and resurrection reveal God’s grace.

All this is consistent with Dr. Luke’s record of the angel’s announcement to the shepherds, “Behold, I bring you good news of great joy for all people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord” (Luke 2:10-11).

In Luke 19:10 we read Jesus’ summary of the purpose of his ministry: “For the Son of Man come to seek and to save the lost”. And in Luke 24:26ff the resurrected Jesus says to his disciples: “Thus it is written, that the Messiah is to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem.”

The Getty Music ‘Compassion Hymn’ expresses God’s grace and mercy: There is an everlasting kindness You lavished on us when the Radiance of heaven came to rescue the lost; You called the sheep without a shepherd to leave their distress for Your streams of forgiveness and the shade of Your rest…

Godly Living. Paul continues in Titus 2:11-12: For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all, training us to renounce impiety and worldly passions, and in the present age to live lives that are self-controlled, upright and godly…

Paul wants us to understand that God’s grace is not mere pie in the sky when you die. God’s grace motivates, educates and delights in changing us for the better. Grace is almost personified. It becomes the teacher that trains and nurtures us. Or, put another way, grace teaches us to live as God’s people.

Three words identify the changes that God delights to see in us: sober, upright, godly.

Sober speaks to us personally: we are to live lives of integrity and self-discipline. Upright speaks of our relations with others: we are to live selflessly and honestly, serving others by taking an interest in them, showing compassion and practical care where there is genuine need. Godlyspeaks of our relationship with God: we are to live for God in loyalty and with joy.

Imagine what the world would be like if God’s people everywhere began to live out these qualities. No, it would not be boring. As studies consistently show, society benefits when people respond to God’s grace and live in its light.

In the Age of Enlightenment reason and will were reckoned to be keys to human behaviour. In today’s post- post-modern world feelings have become the driver. But I am sure you have noticed what Paul is saying here: God’s grace becomes the motivating force for our behaviour. When we experience God’s compassion and mercy in our lives we will be drawn to delight in doing the good that God desires. His grace coaxes the qualities of new life in Christ into flower. Yes, it will be a lifetime process, but God’s love will draw us.

The words of the angel speak through the ages: “To you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord”. My prayer is that you and your loved ones will know afresh the joy and the new life in God this Christmas!

Despite the significant developments of science and technology, we are made aware daily of the inability of men and woman to live at peace with one another. At every level of society, there is narcissism and greed, hatred and corruption haunting the human experience. Alienation is a word that rightly describes our plight.

It is not insignificant that in his Letter to the Colossians Paul the Apostle expresses the human dilemma this way: And you who were once estranged and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds… (1:21). Estranged or alienated speaks not just of our outward behaviour, but of what we are like deep within – until the grace of God changes us. In our natural state the desires of our hearts are at odds with a genuine love for God and consequently our lifestyle is flawed.

When we think about it, God could have written humanity off as a fiasco. He could have decided to start afresh. But that would have been an admission of defeat on God’s part. It would have meant that in some measure God couldn’t allow evil because he knew he couldn’t defeat it.

No, the Bible tells us that from the beginning of time, God was determined to beat it. God determined on an infinitely more costly strategy than one of simply writing us off. He wouldn’t abandon an evil and ungrateful humanity that rejected him. He would reach across the divide and rescue it from the consequences of its own folly. He would step in personally and address the penalty his righteous character required. In a word he would do everything needed to reconcile the world to himself. Importantly, he would destroy the hostility without destroying the enemy. He would make peace.

Paul tells us, in very beautiful words, what this meant: … through him(Jesus Christ) God was pleased to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, by making peace through the blood of his cross (1:20).

Suppose someone very close to you, a wife or husband, or another family member, profoundly hurts you. They trample over your feelings: they repay all your kindness and genuine interest in them with hatred. But a day comes when they are in some kind of deep trouble. If you don’t step in to help them they’re going to perish. What do you do? You could tell them to go to hell.

But supposing when you consult your feelings, you find within your heart a love for them, a love that wants to see them restored to your family circle. You know you need to find within yourself the resources to absorb the pain and righteous anger that boils up within you at the very sight of them, so that you can stretch out your hand and help them.

I find this to be a picture that helps me understand what Paul is saying here, when he says that God was reconciling us to himself through the blood of the cross. Because Jesus and God are one, we see that through the cross of Christ God found the perfect way through which he can absorb within himself the pain and the anger, that are rightly within him, when he looks at people like us who have rejected him.

On the cross of Christ we find the passionate collision of pain and fury, of love and mercy.

And the outcome of this costly sacrifice? … So as to present you holy and blameless and irreproachable before him… (Colossians 1:22b).

Christ’s death on the cross laid the foundation and provided the means for God’s forgiveness. But we await a final day when we will be truly holy, without blemish, and free from accusation. And this, as Paul continues, will only happen provided that you continue securely established and steadfast in the faith, without shifting from the hope promised by the gospel that you heard,… (1:23).

What’s more God plans to use that reconciled human race to populate a reconciled universe. For the reconciliation Jesus has achieved goes far beyond men and women. It will embrace the whole of the cosmos. One day he is going to make a new heaven and a new earth where truth and goodness will reign.

And who will be there, as Lord of that reconciled world?  Jesus. Jesus, risen from the dead. Jesus glorified in heaven. The name Jesus will reverberate with joy throughout the universe.

No one who understands these things can ever say that any other name is equal to the name of Jesus. He alone has provided for the rescue of humankind from its narcissism and rebelliousness against God. No one else has scars on their hands. No one else has conquered the grave. No one else has provided the means of a perfect, everlasting peace.

The question is whether you and I will acknowledge Jesus’ supremacy, willingly recognizing him, and turning to him as the one true Lord of heaven and earth. And in turning to him as the Lord, will you acknowledge that he alone is sufficient to present you before God, holy, without blemish, and freed from all accusation on the day of the Advent of the Christ?