This is exactly the verse, with the same emphasis and force (He has reconciled you [done deal, his agency], in the body of his flesh through his death [via the Incarnation]), that was preached to us in church today! So I was reflecting on it too, and finding it profound and exciting for the same reasons.
Your analysis and conclusion are compelling to me, JD. I think you're right that separating the act of reconciliation from its purpose is anomalous--and at the same time, as you point out, it's to the purpose, and not the act, that the if-clause applies. (How could it apply to a reconciliation that has already happened?) This is important to distinguish so that we're clear about the agency of reconciliation--not our faithful action, but his.
Something else happened in church. The church was so packed that during Communion we ran out of the bread, so they asked the people nearest the aisles to break their pieces in two and put half back on the plate as it went by again so they could take it to those who had none. In the end there were pieces left over. It was a beautiful image: the Bread being multiplied as we broke it to each other.
Judy, thank you for your message reminding us who Jesus is.
Debbie
God bless you Debbie. Today was a great day and a great day to know of the Victory that Christ has taken back to heaven. What a great message for those attending your church. And the "miracle" was exciting.
The Colossian passage is an impelling statement, isn't it. How did I miss it all these years?
John
