Read Colossians 2.20-3.11
Paul enters into baptism language, dying with Christ, and being raised with Christ as the main focus of this section of Colossians. As we enter into our own baptisms we enter into the life and death of Jesus. Our baptism changes everything.
We are no longer focused on earthly things, instead we set our hearts and minds on the things of God, the things above. Our focus, our thoughts, how we live is different from before.
The butterfly is often seen as a symbol of the resurrection. From the caterpillar going into its cocoon and dying to itself, it rises as new creation, a butterfly. Although that butterfly began as a caterpillar the two are so vastly different now. It’s the same in our lives. The butterfly is not concerned about the things of the caterpillar anymore, instead the butterfly is focused on the things above as it floats and flies about.
As I read this passage in Colossians I can’t help but hear other statements from Paul echoed in it. Here’s just a few of them:
“So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” 2 Corinthians 5.16-17.
“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2.20.
“Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” Philippians 4.8-9.
I pray that you continue to live your life set on the things above, putting to death the old ways of living. For we are called to live in Christ and take on the form of resurrected living.
In what ways in your life is it easy to live as a “butterfly” as a person who has been raised with Christ?
In what ways do you struggle to live as a butterfly? In what ways do you struggle living with you heart and mind set on things above?
Here are the lyrics for “I’m pressing on the upward way” for our prayer today:
I’m pressing on the upward way,
new heights I’m gaining every day;
still praying as I’m onward bound,
“Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.”
Lord, lift me up and let me stand,
by faith, on heaven’s tableland,
a higher plane than I have found;
Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.
My heart has no desire to stay
where doubts arise and fears dismay;
though some may dwell where these abound,
my prayer, my aim is higher ground.
Lord, lift me up and let me stand,
by faith, on heaven’s tableland,
a higher plane than I have found;
Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.
I want to live above the world,
though Satan’s darts at me are hurled;
for faith has caught the joyful sound,
the song of saints on higher ground.
Lord, lift me up and let me stand,
by faith, on heaven’s tableland,
a higher plane than I have found;
Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.
I want to scale the utmost height,
and catch a gleam of glory bright;
but still I pray till heaven I’ve found,
“Lord, lead me on to higher ground.”
Lord, lift me up and let me stand,
by faith, on heaven’s tableland,
a higher plane than I have found;
Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.
Grace and Peace to you, Amen.