So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. Colossians 2:6-7.

Rooted and built up…strengthened…

Have you ever asked yourself what you need – truly need? Not what you want or desire but truly need? If you stop and consider that question the things that are not need quickly fall away. What remains?

And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things, at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 2 Corinthians 9:8.

I thought about that question this morning after reading our chapter, 2 Kings 23. Josiah moved by great love for God removed all the idols from Jerusalem, the Temple, the land of Judah. Even the altar at Bethel, the high place made by Jeroboam son of Nebat, who had caused Israel to sin – even that altar and high place he demolished. v. 15. He did all that was prophesied by the man of God (1 Kings 13:2). And yet. Nevertheless, the Lord did not turn away from the heat of his fierce anger, which burned against Judah because of all that Manasseh had done to arouse his anger. So the Lord said, “I will remove Judah also from my presence as I removed Israel, and I will reject Jerusalem, the city I chose, and this temple, about which I said, ‘My Name shall be there.’” v. 26-27.

Why? Can you imagine being Creator God and creating all that you see and know including you and me? What do you see when you look around? Can you imagine wanting to love those you have created and sustain and having them turn away and worship what did not create them? Have them design their own creator and in that ignorance burn their own children in a fire to that thing that does not exist and call it worship of god. God didn’t have to imagine it. He’s seen it all. It happened again after Josiah was killed in battle with Egypt as it went up to help the king of Assyria. (In the notes below: Pharaoh Necho of Egypt was marching through Judah to Assyria. Egypt and Assyria had formed an alliance to battle Babylon, which was threatening to become the dominant world power.) Josiah was king and as king was able to remove all the idols the people worshipped. The people didn’t.

What do we need? In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding, he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment – to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ. Ephesians 1:7-10.

How can we be strengthened in the faith? Rooted and built up? We ask Him. When we turn to Him, we receive Christ Jesus as Lord and continue to live in Him. All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. John 14:25-26.

As we begin to walk with God, we begin to understand our deepest need and that need is Almighty God who loves us and who begins a work in us that strengthens us so we are rooted and built up in His love and truth – and that brings a deep-seated joy no one can take away. We find our true Home in Him who loves us so much He leads us out of the ignorance of what we don’t know and into His truth; and His truth is His great Love for you and His longing to be with you. How great is that? Truly?