Read: Colossians 1.1-8
DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT: We've examined the life and ministry of Jesus (including His death, resurrection, and issuance of the Great Commission) as recorded by Matthew in his Gospel. Now it's time to visit Paul's letter to the Colossians to see how he and the early Church answered the question, "Who is Jesus?"
The following is taken from N. T. Wright in his commentary "Paul for Everyone: The Prison Letters," which presents us with some insights into Colossians 1.1-8:
"The first sentence of the letter (verses 1-2) is a reasonably standard letter-opening. But Paul, as usual, fills the regular form with new content. God and Jesus, God and Jesus: they are there in his thinking, his writing, his praying, and even in his formal letter-opening. He and Timothy are writing to Colossae because they are following God's will, living as servants of King Jesus. The Colossian church is part of the same family; and what Paul most longs for is that God's grace should reach out and enfold the new Christians in the small inland town."
"When Paul thinks of someone talking to people about King Jesus, the Messiah of Israel who is now the Lord of the world, he doesn't think of them simply conveying information. This word is powerful. When it is spoken, God himself works through it, spreading the plant of new life, colour, fragrance and fruit in every place. The word of the gospel 'bears fruit and grows.' The gospel doesn't just produce a new religious experience for those who might like such a thing. It brings about something much greater: nothing less than new creation."
As followers of Jesus the Christ, the Messiah of Israel, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, we are to be bearers of Gospel fruit...fruit that not only changes the lives of those with whom we share the word of the Gospel, but fruit that transforms the very world around us. We are agents of Christ's new creation...and we are agents of change. Look out, world...in the name of Christ, here we come!
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