Memory Verse: Week of February 26th

Week of February 26th

Colossians 2:17

[17] These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ. (Colossians 2:17 ESV)

[Context:   The “these” in this passage is referring to the Old Covenant law – with its Sabbaths and traditions.  They were pictures pointing to and foreshadowing Jesus and what he would accomplish in establishing a New Covenant.  Shadows have no ultimate substance but let you know there is an ultimate reality they are imaging – not in exact representation but in shape.    For example, the Sabbath day and Sabbath years were fulfilled in the true and better and ultimate Sabbath rest who is the Person of Jesus.  We rejoice and rest in his perfect, finished work.  His Sabbath has no end!

May we rejoice in the reality of Jesus.

“For all the promises of God find their Yes in him [Jesus]…” (2 Corinthians 1:20 ESV) 

That can be a bonus memory verse if you would like.   In our Sunday passage in Luke 2:21-35, Simeon, representing the law covenant, provides the perfect picture of having served well, being brought to his completed end – the Christ.  He now sees and holds in his arms the Lord’s salvation for the world.  This is everything he longed for and pointed to – but the substance belongs to Christ! ]