Paul Exhorts Believers To Set Minds On Things Above

Apostolic Era, c. 60-62 AD

Paul Exhorts Believers To Set Minds On Things Above

From his Roman imprisonment, the Apostle Paul penned the Epistle to the Colossians, urging believers to grasp the profound implications of their new identity in Christ. He reminded them that through Christ, they had been raised from spiritual death and were now seated with Him in heavenly places. This foundational truth called for a radical reorientation of their lives, moving away from earthly concerns and towards an eternal perspective.

Paul's instruction on this day, or around this time, emphasized that because their true life is hidden with Christ in God, their focus should not be on the transient things of this world. Instead, they were to actively direct their thoughts, affections, and aspirations towards the divine realities where Christ reigns. This heavenly mindset was crucial for navigating the temptations and philosophies of the world, allowing them to live out their faith consistently and joyfully.

Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.
— Colossians 3:1-2 LSB

Timeline Box: This passage from Paul's Epistle to the Colossians was likely written during his first Roman imprisonment, approximately 60-62 AD. While not tied to a specific day, letters were often penned and delivered during the autumn and winter months when sea travel became perilous, thus fitting the season of 24 Cheshvan, the 8th month of the biblical sacred calendar (2nd month of the civil year).

Divided Kingdom Era, c. 735 BC

King Ahaz Leads Judah Into Deep Idolatry

During the tumultuous period of the Divided Kingdom, King Ahaz of Judah distinguished himself through his profound wickedness and blatant disregard for the Lord's commands. Rejecting the covenant of his forefathers, Ahaz embraced the idolatrous practices of the surrounding nations and even those of the northern kingdom of Israel. His reign was marked by a deliberate turning away from God, culminating in the horrific act of sacrificing his own son in the fire, a detestable ritual of the pagan peoples whom the Lord had driven out before Israel.

But he walked in the way of the kings of Israel, and even made his son pass through the fire, according to the abominations of the nations whom the LORD dispossessed before the sons of Israel.
— 2 Kings 16:3 LSB

Timeline Box: This historical account describes King Ahaz's reign, which began around 735 BC. While the specific date of his idolatrous acts is not recorded, they characterized his rule, which spanned autumn months like 24 Cheshvan, the 8th month of the biblical sacred calendar (2nd month of the civil year).

Patriarchal Era, c. 2067 BC

Abraham Pleads With God For Sodom's Righteous

As the Lord prepared to judge the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah for their grievous sin, He revealed His intentions to Abraham. In a remarkable display of intercession and faith, Abraham boldly approached God, pleading for the cities to be spared if even a small number of righteous individuals could be found within them. This dialogue between God and Abraham highlights the Lord's perfect justice, His willingness to hear the petitions of His servant, and His profound mercy, even in the face of widespread wickedness.

And Abraham came near and said, 'Will You indeed sweep away the righteous with the wicked? Suppose there are fifty righteous within the city; will You indeed sweep it away...?'
— Genesis 18:23-24 LSB

Timeline Box: This pivotal event in Abraham's life, his intercession for Sodom, occurred during the Patriarchal Era, approximately 2067 BC. While the exact day is not specified, it represents a significant historical moment in God's dealings with humanity, fitting generally into the broader timeline surrounding 24 Cheshvan, the 8th month of the biblical sacred calendar (2nd month of the civil year).

Heavenly Mindset Amidst Earthly Realities

On this 24th day of Cheshvan, the 8th month of the biblical sacred calendar, we witness God's enduring character and His unfolding redemptive plan across millennia. From the Patriarchal Era, we see Abraham's courageous intercession for Sodom, revealing God's justice tempered with mercy and His willingness to listen to His faithful servant. This ancient narrative reminds us that even in judgment, God seeks to preserve the righteous and that He is approachable for those who call upon Him.

Centuries later, during the Divided Kingdom, the stark contrast of human rebellion is evident in King Ahaz's reign. His deliberate turn to idolatry, even sacrificing his own son, underscores the depths of human depravity when left to its own devices, highlighting the desperate need for a Savior. Yet, even in such dark times, God's ultimate plan for redemption was advancing. Finally, in the Apostolic Era, the Apostle Paul's letter to the Colossians calls believers to a transformed life, urging them to set their minds on things above, where Christ sits victorious. This heavenly perspective, rooted in our union with Christ, empowers us to navigate the challenges of this world with hope and purpose, knowing that our true citizenship and ultimate destiny are with Him. These diverse narratives, spanning different ages, collectively point to the steadfastness of God's character and the ultimate triumph of His redemptive work through Jesus Christ, who is the righteous King and the object of our heavenly hope.

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