SCRIPTURE: Colossians 1:24-2:5
OBSERVATION:
Here is the passion that inspires me, the passion for the Lord, for His purpose and for people that drives Paul. I believe this is not just something for the “ordained” or the “called” but the pattern for everyone who claims to follow Jesus. So many “christians” live without passion for the Lord, for His purpose and for people, yet find comfort in ‘being forgiven’ and ‘going to heaven’. Jesus did not call us to ‘be forgiven’ or to ‘go to heaven’, He called us to follow (join) Him, to be sent like Him into the world, to work with Him in His kingdom mission. This is what the Spirit was doing in/through Paul, and this is what He wants to do in/through us. We are to be ambassadors for Jesus, so that as people respond to His love, He takes us residence in their hearts and liberates them from sin, death and hell to become His servants too. “To this end I labour, struggling with all His energy, which so powerfully works in me.”
APPLICATION:
Am I prepared to struggle, to make myself uncomfortable, to sacrifice my wealth and ambitions, for the sake of Jesus and His purpose? Do I really believe that Jesus IS the only way, truth and life, and that people are doomed without Him? Does my life, my devotion, reveal this belief? I feel lukewarm, I feel distracted by worldly concerns and pleasures, I feel constricted and distracted by churchianity and busyness. I want this kind of passion, the confidence that I am serving with Jesus, like Jesus and for Jesus, and that He is powerfully working through me. I do not blame others, I do not blame the church, I am responsible for my present lack of passion. I need to fervently pray for fire…
PRAYER:
Lord, I am like Elijah’s altar, doused in water, lacking fire. I need fire from You to ignite and consume me. I need Your Spirit to cause my heart to blaze for You. Help me to experience Your energy powerfully working in me. Amen.
God chose Paul as His servant to make known the riches of Jesus Christ among the people. He is the reason for the ministry and in Him Paul has life. It is his heart’s desire – through the working of the Spirit in him – that they may have Jesus. In Christ alone are hid all mysteries. To be happy is to know Christ. No greater joy is to be found than to experience people who have a strong faith in Christ. That would be Paul’s delight – to be encouraged in delight to see them worshipping the true God.
No greater joy do I have than to see my children walking with their God. Help us all in Your Way oh Lord.
In Christ alone my hope is found;
He is my light, my strength, my song;
This cornerstone, this solid ground,
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm.
What heights of love, what depths of peace,
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease!
My comforter, my all in all—
Here in the love of Christ I stand.