Introduction

‘The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.’ Colossians 1:15-20

In his farewell speech to the elders of the church at Ephesus before his departure from Miletus to Jerusalem, Paul reminded them how he had not hesitated to proclaim the whole will of God to them. He then went ahead to charge them to ‘keep watch over themselves and the flock of which the Holy Spirit had made them overseers’.

Whilst reminding them of their divinely imposed responsibility of shepherding the church of God which He purchased with His own blood, he did not forget to alert them that savage wolves would come in among them but more sadly was the fact that even from amongst them, men would rise up, distorting the truth, all in a bid to draw disciples after themselves.

The importance of church unity is vehemently underscored in Paul’s emotional recall of how he had tearfully warned them for over a space of 3 years night and day, Acts 20:25-31.

Without giving any iota of respect to the sanctity of church unity, and in sharp contrast with the Spirit’s plea that God’s people should endeavour to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, a good number of people have dared to take away the Lord’s blood, with which He purchased His church, Acts 20:28.

As God’s children, we need to constantly be alert, watchful, prayerfully avoiding every form of pride and reckless equality with Christ. Let us learn from Paul and Apollos not to go beyond what is written, 1 Corinthians 4:6.

‘In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.’ Hebrews 9:22

Prayer

Thank You, Holy Father for the blood of Christ which was shed at Calvary. Thank You for the love that drew salvation’s plan in Christ’s most precious name. Amen.