From: October 5, 2024
“For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face” (Colossians 2:1 ESV).
Paul often “struggled” for the believers in towns and cities where he had been before, but had left behind in order to carry the gospel to other places. Colossae was one of these places. Located in the province of Asia Minor (Modern day Turkey), Colossae was the least of three cities found in the Lycus valley, the other two, Hieropolis and Laodicea, being more prominent. Although we have no record of who planted the church in Colossae, the apostle Paul certainly must have passed through this area on one of his many missionary journeys. In fact, he spent three years ministering in the city of Ephesus, which was only 119 miles from Colossae or a week’s travel on foot. Yet, Paul struggled in thought and prayer over the saints in places like Colossae and Laodicea, which he named in the verse above.
What did Paul mean by saying he “struggled” over them? Perhaps the best understanding is found in Dr. Strong’s definition of the Greek word, ἀγών (“agon”), as an “intense solicitude or anxiety.” Paul wrestled in his prayers and thoughts over the believers in Colossae and in Laodicea, even those he didn’t know personally. What a heart Paul had for the sheep the Great Shepherd had entrusted to him!
Today, the sites of Hieropolis, Laodicea and Colossae are in ruins, with Colossae only being marked by a sign on what archaeologists call a “tel” (“an unexcavated mound”). The places may now lie in ruins, but the people that placed their trust in Christ are now in that everlasting city not made by human hands.
Who do you struggle in thought and prayer for?
PRAYER: Dear Father, we lift our prayers to you today, especially for those that You have brought to our minds by Your Spirit. The more we grow in You, the more we think less of ourselves and more of others. Strengthen us now to do Your will this day. In Jesus’ name, amen.
From: October 5, 2023
“But you must continue to believe this truth and stand firmly in it. Don’t drift away from the assurance you received when you heard the Good News” (Colossians 1:23 NLT).
Paul warned the Colossian believers to continue and stand firm in the gospel they had believed lest they begin to drift away. This tendency to drift is one common to all humanity. Like an unanchored ship, we tend to drift with the current. Before long, we find ourselves on some distant shore, far from our former assurance.
Why do we tend to drift? Our fallen natures are given to forgetfulness. We have to continually remind ourselves of the Good News. For we have forgetful hearts. Thus, the repetitive one word command we find in the Scriptures: “Remember.” How do we “continue to believe and stand firm?” We must remember. As Jesus said at the Last Supper, “Do this in remembrance of Me.”
However, forgetfulness isn’t the only human tendency that causes our drifting. Familiarity is another. The longer we know and live with something, the more we tend to take it for granted. As the often heard cliche goes: Familiarity breeds contempt. Hearing the message of the cross over and over, we tend to zone out, thinking we’ve heard it all before. Yet, the Word tells us to “stand firm” in the gospel, remembering and applying it afresh, so that we don’t drift from the assurance we had at first.
Where is your assurance today? Are you drifting or are you anchored firmly in the gospel, reminding yourself continually of what Christ has done?
PRAYER: Dear Father, we remember. Strengthen us by Your Spirit, to anchor our souls in You and in Your Gospel. Help us to be people who never forget and never take for granted what You have done for us through Your Son, Jesus. For it’s in His name we pray, amen.
From: October 5, 2022
THE GOAL OF DISCIPLESHIP IS CHRISTLIKENESS
Paul’s goal for the Colossians and for everyone to whom he preached is here revealed: that he might present them to God as “perfect” (fully mature, finished, complete) in Christ. He did not stop at just introducing people to Christ. No, Paul used every faculty available to him, “warning and teaching” them to not only believe, but to follow Christ, becoming like Him in all things.
This should still be the goal of those who would answer the call to pastor. It should also be the goal of every person who would call themselves “Christian.” Our aim is not to make converts, but growing Christ-followers. We are called to make disciples of Jesus Christ who grow to complete and full maturity.
Are you growing in your relationship to Christ, so that you are becoming more and more like Him in every way? And are you committed to making disciples of Jesus who are doing the same?
PRAYER: Dear Father, thank You that You have not only saved us, but You have called us into the ministry of making disciples. Give us a holy boldness to tell everyone the Good News about Jesus. Strengthen us to disciple others to maturity in Christ as we follow Him with all our hearts. In Jesus’ name, amen.
From: October 5, 2016
Jeremiah’s prophecy of God’s coming judgment on Judah even included charges against those who should have joined him in warning their people. It’s a sad state of affairs when the prophets and priests who claim to represent God “deal falsely,” filling their congregant’s ears with lies of peace when war is at their gates. Better to hear bad news from one’s physician and be able to get help, than to hear lies and be left dying with a false prognosis. In the same way, it’s better to follow a pastor who preaches God’s Word without apology, than one who offers human platitudes to tickle the ears.
From: October 5, 2015
When do you seek the Lord? The psalmist spoke of a day when he “sought the Lord” as a “day of my trouble.” He described his trouble sleeping and the state of his soul which seemed beyond comfort and encouragement. On such a day, he “cried out to God” (v.1). Most of us have experienced such a day. But have you yet learned to seek God on a good day?