Monday 03 January 2022
- Bible Book:
- Colossians
May you be made strong with all the strength that comes from his glorious power, and may you be prepared to endure everything with patience, while joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has enabled you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the light. (vs 11-12)
(My apologies for the links not working recently. The Oremus server went down for a couple of days, but is now working again. Editor)
Background
The Christians in Colossae were having a difficult time. We don’t know if they were facing persecution, or if their troubles were caused simply by the tough reality of being a minority group with beliefs that pushed back against the dominant ethos of their society. Where were they to find the strength to keep the faith?
These verses offer a panoply of answers. At the centre of God’s care for people of faith is the gift of Jesus, and verses 15–18 seem to be an ancient hymn to Christ, the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. In Jesus, God comes to share the life of the universe. Strength emerges too from the Colossian Church’s response to this gift of God's son. They know that through Jesus their lives have been changed (v. 13), possibly referring to their baptism. They have left the darkness behind and now belong to the kingdom of the saints in light. This is not just empty optimism or future-focused escapism. Whatever life throws at them, they have hope (v. 5) that God’s presence is interfacing with the reality of their troubles now, and that in the end, God’s presence will prevail. This enables them to live with faith in Jesus and love for one another (v. 4 and 1 Corinthians 13:13).
Life throws all sorts of difficulties in our path; we have that in common with the Christians of Colossae, as Omicron rampages and spring seems a long time away. Yet God gives us the same indescribable gift of the Son (2 Corinthians 9:15). The letter’s prayer is for us too: strength, patient endurance and the ability to keep on giving thanks to God, who sets our problems within the horizon of love and light flowing from that gift of Jesus.
To Ponder:
- Thankfulness: is it a personal, inward quality of your relationship with God? Is it reflected outwardly in the way you live? What happens when one or the other aspect of thankfulness is missing?
- Patience and endurance are counter-cultural qualities in a society focused on instant fulfilment. During the pandemic we have needed them. What helps you to live with patience and endurance? (That could be anything from spiritual practices to baking banana bread!)
Prayer
God of limitless generosity, we thank you for your gift of your son in the power of the Spirit. Help us to live as children of the light, facing difficulties with faith, hope and love. Amen.