Thursday 26 September 2024
He was revealed in flesh, vindicated in spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among Gentiles, believed in throughout the world, taken up in glory. (v. 16)
Background
In this short passage, Paul gives a reason for his rather critical writing up until this point about the behaviour expected of those claiming to be followers of Jesus Christ. I did wonder as I read Paul's words whether the people receiving the message would be looking forward to his arrival or be rather nervous having read what he expected of them. However the words in which he expresses the mystery of 'our religion' would no doubt boost their thinking as it still does ours today. He describes Jesus, saying: “He was revealed in flesh, vindicated in spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among Gentiles, believed in throughout the world, taken up in glory.” (v. 16)
I wonder how many times we reflect on the enormity of that message? That Jesus was a man, fully human as we understand it, who was able to transform people’s thinking right across the world from a small village where he was born so many centuries ago. The words of Jesus' followers such as Paul still influence so many people – even in the somewhat sceptical times in which we live today.
Paul reminds his readers he has been teaching how they should behave within the community of the Church of the time, and how it will influence those who have not yet come into contact with Christianity. I think it is something which can still influence the Church today. However there is a danger that we become so conscious of making the Church a place of obedience and good living that we fail to play our part in carrying the gospel out beyond the church walls into the world. Paul is reminding us that Jesus, born as a human, still exists for us in his glory and even in our own time inspires his people to seek to follow him, and bring others to know him too.
To Ponder:
- Are there times when we are so tied up in the practical day-to-day life of our church and community that we forget that we are called 'to go into all the world'?
- Is there a danger that if we obey Paul's call to live an exemplary life we could come across as 'holier than thou' and therefore alienate rather than draw people into the love of Christ?
- How can we bring the true message of the gospel to the world, so that more people will want to come to be part of the church community? And how do we break down barriers so that church is no longer a place to be feared but a place where all might know they are welcome?
Prayer
Help us, Lord, through our love for you to take courage and go into the world to draw other people into your love, so they can know just who you are. Enable us to take courage to break down the barriers that divide us from the world, so that we all become the one people you intended when the world was created. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Bible notes author: The Revd Pat Billsborrow
Pat came into ministry 37 years ago and she has been a supernumerary for 18 years. She is happy to continue serving wherever she is needed.