For He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son He loves – Colossians 1 vs 13.
To truly understand this bible verse, we need to understand that there are two kingdoms. God’s kingdom – the kingdom of Jesus Christ, the Son He loves; and Satan’s kingdom – the dominion of darkness.
In Satan’s kingdom, there is fear, anxiety, depression, addiction, war, hatred, crime, death, and every other bad thing that you can think of. And that is why it is called the power or dominion of darkness. In God’s kingdom there is freedom, love, joy, peace, kindness, forgiveness, healing, unity, and every good and beautiful thing.
When we accept Jesus Christ into our hearts, God rescues us from the power or dominion of darkness, which is Satan’s kingdom; and places us into the kingdom of Jesus his Son. As we now belong to Jesus, Satan no longer has any power over us because we are under the rulership and authority of Christ.
This though, does not mean that life will be a bed of roses going forth. But it does mean that God will give us the strength, courage, and ability to overcome every bad situation or circumstance in our lives because Jesus has already overcome the world for us (John 16 vs 33 – In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world). Ephesians 1 vs 22 also says that God has put all things under the feet of Jesus. This means that Jesus already has the authority over our bad situation or circumstance.
If we belong to God’s kingdom, then it would make sense for us to live by the examples of kingdom living that Jesus set for us when He walked the earth. Let’s look at five of these:
- Love. Dying on the cross for us was the ultimate act of love. If Jesus loved, then so should we. John 15 vs 13 – Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.
- Forgiveness. If Jesus forgave those who crucified Him, we too need to forgive those who hurt us. Luke 23 vs 33 and 34 – And when they had come to the place called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the criminals, one on the right hand and the other on the left. Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.”
- Compassion. If Jesus showed compassion, then so should we. Matthew 14 vs 14 – And when Jesus went out, He saw a great multitude; and He was moved with compassion for them and healed their sick.
- Humility. If Jesus was humble, we need to be humble. John 13 vs 5 – After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded.
- Prayer. If Jesus prayed often, then so should we. Luke 5 vs 16 – So He Himself often withdrew into the wilderness and prayed.