So.... your missionary friend writes you this letter... And as you read it, you realize not only has he been persecuted for his faith, but now he's been put in prison. And he's asking you to step it up in the prayer department. So you read on... Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving; meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains, that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak. Colossians 4:2-4 NKJV Wait... what?! You mean, getting thrown into prison... and placed in chains, isn't a good enough excuse to say... "Look God, I've been trying, here. But this is a tough crowd. So I'm gonna take a break." Because I think that's what I'd most likely say in that dismal sitatuon. And here, our friend, Paul writes asking for prayer that even in his chains he would have an opportunity to share, to speak, to make known the gospel of Christ. Can you imagine? Because I simply cannot. I'll be honest to say that I'm not always faithful in sharing without chains. Furthermore... I'll admit prayer, but continued, earnest prayer... vigilent with thankgiving. I wouldn't qualify mine as such. This friend of ours is putting me in a tough spot. And I realize that's not his intention. But I think God really wants us to re-think our committment, our comfort level, our convictions. Are we truly followers of Jesus or simply those who want to use His name as a one way ticket for the after life? Because that will leave a whole lot of people on the wrong side of eternity. An Paul had a passion to spread this gospel... this good news of Jesus and His resurrection, for all to know. Not only for eternal salvation, but for a better life today. Clearly, Paul had something I need more of... higher perspective. He had a way of seeing past his current circumstance to understand the weight of eternity. He was long-sighted and not short-focused. I want more of that, but honestly, it shakes up the easy things I choose and makes me uneasy. Maybe this should make us feel uncomforatble. Maybe it's supposed to. Because we were created for eternity. So I think I'm going to hang onto this feeling for a while today... marinate in it, pray about it, let it break down my defenses until I'm ready to make a change. Even if I'm not ready for chains, I can still be ready for continued, earnest prayer... vigilent with thankgiving that God would open to (me) a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ... that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak. Lord, help me in this... my weak will and fear which makes this sound so very foreign to the life I've settled into. Word of God train me today... To be more aware that salvation should not end with me as a self-centered decison. To soften my heart and prepare me for a ready opportunity to share this Good News.
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January 2019
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