I’ve been writing most of the summer about how we supernaturally died with Christ at the cross. Honestly, it’s not the news we WANT to hear - but it’s the good news that we NEED to hear because it will set us free from the throngs and deceit of self. Look, knowing that you died and no longer belong to you in order to bear God’s fruit - means God’s grace is full supply.
There is no safer place being dead to self, and being made alive forever tucked inside Christ, and tucked inside God.
“For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.”
Colossians 3:3
Frankly. Dead people Rest In Peace. Alive in Christ (The Prince of Peace), we are entitled to that kind of Shalom peace. And dead people have NO legal charge from darkness. The old you is gone, and the new creation is here!
But. I had a mind blowing revelation today.
Where the Bible says that God’s love compels, controls, or constrains us - that word in the Greek is synechō. This word synechō literally means to be pressed by physical HANDS on every side to COMPLETELY hold one together, so that the one being pressed or held cannot fall to pieces.
“For the love of Christ compels (synechō) us, since we have reached this conclusion: If one died for all, then all died. 15 And he died for all so that those who live should no longer live for themselves, but for the one who died for them and was raised.” 2 Corinthians 5:14-15 (CSB)
I think in pictures, so here is the cool part. This word synechō literally means “to force a ship into a narrow channel to head to port” or “a cattle squeeze, that pushing in on each side, forcing the beast into a position where it cannot move so the farmer can administer medication.” Source: Blue Letter Bible
As we walk out our path to the port, the literal hands of Christ, lovingly force or compel us into a position of being STILL! Once we are fully still (not "dying to self" which implies a process, but rather factually or fully dead to self), we can have our needs met in completion. That’s where God can tend to our wounds, apply balm, and speak to our heart. That’s where we can receive direction. That place of still is where God fights our battles. That place of still is where we can hear His voice. That place of stillness is where we are made most effective, and wired for good works. This place of stillness and rest, is where we become refreshed in His own presence.
Most of all, our very best works come from this place of peace, stillness, and rest. Once we know love from sitting in the presence of love, we can effectively be love to others.
Yes. His love compels us to a place of rest, stillness, and death to self or flesh - as His spirit leads us to a place of works and kingdom co-ownership. Compelled to rest, and led to works!
He (Jesus) is before all things, and in him all things hold together.
Colossians 1:17