...make Christ known...

“24 I am now rejoicing in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am completing what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church. 25 I became its servant according to God’s commission that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known, 26 the mystery that has been hidden throughout the ages and generations but has now been revealed to his saints. 27 To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. 28 It is He whom we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone in all wisdom, so that we may present everyone mature in Christ. 29 For this I toil and struggle with all the energy that he powerfully inspires within me” Colossians 1:24-29.

In verses 24 & 25, Paul says that he “is now rejoicing in his sufferings for the sake of other human beings”…because “he became a servant of the church”…“to make the Word of God fully known.” This is a remarkable way to look at our own lives. You and I have life, we exist, to be a servant of Jesus Christ and to make His Word fully known in the world. Jesus spoke of Himself in these words: “the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many” Matthew 20:28. So both Jesus and the apostle Paul both saw their lives in the same way we should see our own lives, namely, that we came to earth to serve Christ any serving others. Jesus told us that “whatever you did to others who are members of my family, you did it to me” Matthew 25:40.

So, you and I are called to live our lives with the same focus as Jesus and the apostle Paul lived their lives here on earth — we are to serve others. And if you’re like me, you have to ask yourself, “What does that mean? In what ways am I to serve others in my life?” Well, Paul answers this question when he says this: “I became a servant to make the Word of God fully known” verse 25. And Jesus came into this world, lived, suffered, died, and rose from the dead, for the same reason — to make Himself — Almighty God — fully known.

So, the only way I know how to fulfill our “calling” is to be in the Word of God, the Bible. Read it, think deeply about what you are reading, and live what you read, always leaning on the grace of God to do so! And when you fail, run back to God, ask for forgiveness, and then get back “making the word of God fully known.” And the best way to do this is to live what you read in the Word of God, the bible. Live what you read! Love what you read! And remember, whatever you do to others, you do to Christ! So for however many days and hours remain in your life, do whatever Jesus tells you to do.

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, have mercy on me a sinner.

Today’s Prayer

Oh Lord, I want so very much to follow You

and to be Your servant, Your disciple.

Help me to help others by what I say and what I do.

Let me read and reflect on Your Word every day.

Help me to live each day in Your presence,

so that I can be immediately available to help others.

And Lord, please forgive me for my sins.

Keep my feet on the path to following You.

Help me always to do whatever You tell me to do.

I love You.

And I pray in your Name, Jesus Christ, Our Lord, Amen!