“25I have become its (the church) servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness – 26the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the Lord’s people. 27To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles, the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of Glory.” Colossians 1:25-27 NIV
Paul’s commission was unique. While others knew of the gospel of grace and the inclusion of Gentiles in the family of God, Paul was a forerunner and appointed by God to proclaim the fullness of this understanding.
In this season, our Lord is revealing more and more what this “mystery” is all about. Everything from now on must be seen and interpreted in light of this understanding. “Christ in you, the hope of Glory” is not just a nice phrase or a needed understanding. With the indwelling of the Holy Spirit within man as a part and result of the new birth in Christ, every understanding of being separate from God has vanished. That’s right! When we come to grips in ourselves that He actually lives in each one born again, then many of our understandings come to a screeching halt. We cannot do religious things (or Christian disciplines, we call them) to get “closer” or to “please” Him. He lives within, and Christ is genuinely pleased with our very breath. We can begin to see and understand that He is leading and guiding me if I choose.
We begin to understand all of His is ours (1 Corinthians 3:20-23), and He loves to be where He is, in us, and to shed His love abroad in our hearts. Our communion in prayer, Word, Lord’s Supper, life is just that – our sharing in Him what has been given. All has been done, and now we have the ultimate joy in just enjoying Him each day and encouraging others to do so as well.
Every Biblical understanding goes through a process that includes the cross and all that has been accomplished, so we are empowered to be, and to obey as His “more than wonderful” Word is unfolded in us and for us. All Word now becomes more revelation in Him, and we are always amazed and blessed as we study and meditate.
This is more than beautiful! I would suggest that if my words seem strange to you, or not fulfilled in you just yet, that you take this passage and begin to allow the Holy Spirit to teach you as you talk with Him and as you think on the passage. He will show you what I am so excited about.
The Word has always been with us! Yet, each of us in our own hearts moves into realms of glory as we choose to do so in His heart and Word. He is always faithful to open His heart in us. Thank you, Lord, and we purposefully focus on You as we read and receive your Word!
Thanks so for joining me in this journey.
Mannaword 