October 17, 2024 - Colossians 4

Masters, servants, preachers of the gospel, the lost, those outside the church and the gospel, dear brothers, fellow prisoners, converts, Luke the physician, Demas, the church of Laodicea, Nympha and the church that meets in her house, and Archippus.  Wow, that’s a long lineup of folks to whom Paul sends greetings and thanks.  And he prays for them all.  A good reminder that the kingdom of God is made up of all sorts of people with many different gifts and roles in the church.  Paul also writes, “At the same time pray for us too, that God may open a door for the message so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains” (4:3).  God uses means to accomplish his purposes.  He used all those people named by Paul.  And, today, he uses all of us in his church.  But, at the end of the day, we affirm that it is His work; He must open the doors for the proclamation of the gospel.  He must go before us.  He must change hearts and minds.  Of course, this is not a problem for us – i.e., our dependence upon God – rather, it is a great encouragement.  God goes before us!

While on earth ordained to stay,

Guide our footsteps in thy way;

Till we come to dwell with thee,

Till we all thy glory see.

Lord, thy mercies never fail,

Hail, celestial goodness, hail!

Be thy glorious name adored,

Heavenly Father, sovereign Lord.   -- Benjamin Williams (18th century)