Reach • Devotion #2: Delivered
Dr. Randy T. Johnson
“He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” Colossians 1:13-14
Is it more important to realize what you are saved from or what you are saved to? If one is drowning, they just want to get out of the water. They do not care if it is a boat, raft, driftwood, or an inflated pink flamingo pool float. The focus is on what they are saved from. I understand the awe-inspiring thoughts of Heaven, but we need to remember what we are saved from. We are saved from Hell, the Lake of Fire, “the wrath of God” (Romans 5:9), and as it is described here, “the domain of darkness.”
The concept is so strong that Paul says Christ has “delivered us.” As believers in Christ, we are freed, liberated, released, and rescued from Satan’s grip. We have been delivered. We now need to help deliver others. Our goal is stated in 2 Corinthians 2:11, “So that we would not be outwitted by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his designs.” We must help others escape Satan’s “designs” (ESV), “schemes” (NIV, NLT), or “devices” (KJV, NKJV). Satan lays a trap, and we need to help family and friends avoid it or be delivered.
After using the word “delivered,” Paul speaks about “redemption.” The two words are similar. Today, we understand what it means for someone to be delivered. In the first century, they would have understood the word redemption. It meant to be bought with a price. It was more than just delivering someone, it included paying a price. They were rescued from slavery because someone paid a price – they were redeemed. Jesus Christ paid the price for us!
This passage in Colossians then ends with “the forgiveness of sins.” The fact that we need to be delivered is our own fault. We have sinned. We sold our souls to Satan, but Jesus bought us back with His death on the cross. We are redeemed. Not only are we free, but we are forgiven. When we give our lives to the Lord, we are delivered, redeemed, and forgiven. This last part means He will not use it against us. All too often couples bring up past flaws in the heat of a fight. They know what buttons to press. God does not do that. He says, “You are forgiven.” Accept the forgiveness from the Heavenly Father and walk confidently in and toward Him.