Can You Divorce if You Don’t Love Each Other Anymore?
Lance Hahn
Colossians 3:4 is embedded in Paul’s letter to the Colossian church, where he presents a vision of the Christian life transformed by the resurrection of Jesus. This particular verse highlights the future glorification of believers, stating that when Christ, who is their life, appears, they too will appear with Him in glory. This statement encapsulates the intimate union between Christ and the believer, emphasizing Christ as not only the source of spiritual life but also the hope of future glory.
Paul's message to the Colossians transcends the immediate challenges and realities of their day, directing their focus towards the ultimate revelation of Christ’s glory and the believers’ participation in it. This future-oriented perspective is intended to shape how they live in the present, anchoring their hope and actions in the promise of sharing in Christ's triumph.
This verse offers a powerful reminder of the Christian hope and identity, encouraging a life that mirrors the reality of being united with Christ. It challenges to live in anticipation of Christ's return, understanding that the life we now live is deeply connected to the future manifestation of His glory. This anticipation of sharing in Christ’s glory motivates a pursuit of holiness and a life that reflects the values of the kingdom of God. It's a call to view our lives through the lens of our ultimate destiny with Christ, allowing this hope to inform our choices, attitudes, and priorities, as we live in the light of the promise of our future appearance with Him in glory.
In the book of Jeremiah, the prophet Jeremiah is speaking to the Israelites at a time of great despair. They were exiled, living in Babylon, far from their homeland. Jeremiah's words were meant to offer hope and assurance during this period of upheaval. His message was not just for their immediate comfort but also to give them a perspective of a hopeful future planned by God.
This passage in Jeremiah speaks directly to the heart of encouragement, especially in the face of uncertainty and difficulty. It's a reminder that even when our current circumstances seem bleak or disheartening, there is a broader plan for good, for hope, and for a future. This can be particularly resonant for us when we face our own periods of doubt or when our path seems unclear. It's a call to trust in a greater plan that we might not fully understand yet.