Daily Update #351
Today’s reading:
Action at a distanceToday’s we see Paul’s active concern for those entrusted to his spiritual care.
I want you to know how hard I am contending for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me personally. 2 My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Colossians 2:1-3
It seems to me remarkable that not only has Paul a heart for those he knows in Colossae and Laodicea, but he also prays for those there he doesn’t know.
Paul is expending time and energy for the sake of those entrusted to his spiritual care. Sometimes our upholding of our dear brothers and sisters in prayer requires real effort. I hope we are committed to take on such responsibility? Paul was fully prepared to do this and his desire was to see them united.
I’m also intrigued by Paul’s statement in verse 2. The implication is that if we are united in love, we will understand the fullness of Christ, which is a treasure to be discovered. Is this a prerequisite, to be united before we experience some valuable revelations? Hopefully the joy experienced in seeing people blessed, healed, released or saved is reward enough.
To me this passage suggests that academic study of the Bible, although essential, cannot in itself bring us to unlocking that treasure chest of the fulness of grasping the hidden truths about Jesus and God. The key is in our hearts and our unity.
Many years ago, I remember a quiz programme on the TV where the contestants were offered cash or the opportunity to see a hidden prize. The catch phrase was ‘take the money or open the box’. Would you trade the known cash prize for the possibility of something greater? This passage suggests that some of the treasures of God are hidden, and through our unity in love, we will open the box to God’s abundant treasures of wisdom and knowledge. The choice is to invest in things that are eternal rather than the here and now.
Prayer
Dear Lord,
We strive to be united in love for you and each-other. Help us to be encouraged in heart and to share our joy and enthusiasm with one another. Place on our hearts those we should pray for – so we might share the joy of transformed hearts and minds.
Amen
THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Tomorrow’s Reading: Colossians 2:4-5
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www. zondervan.com. The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™