Wednesday, February 23, 2011
END TIMES READING PLAN: Psalm 68, 72
SCRIPTURE READING
Colossians 2:1-3 (NIV); I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me personally. My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge
Paul knew how to walk alongside people, even if he couldn’t see them face-to-face. But Paul’s care and concern for people was not done in vain, or on a whim; he had purpose for them! He desired to see people encouraged – not just with words and head knowledge of the Scriptures, but with the truth of Christ that would penetrate their very hearts. He longed to see the believers act in such love that would unite them as a body. He knew that only in that unity would they be able to tap into the treasures of wisdom and knowledge found in Jesus.
We seem to remember the wisdom and knowledge part of this verse, while glossing over the importance of love and unity! We must be unified – “knit together in love” as the ESV puts it – if we desire to partake in the richness of complete understanding of Jesus! Why is this? Because we are part of a body, and all parts of the body are necessary! As we use our talents and share our insights together in a community, we will learn from each other and grow in our knowledge and wisdom in Christ.
PRAYER and MEDITATION
1) Ask the Holy Spirit to show you how you have not been very teachable. Who have you refused to learn from, and why do you refuse to learn from them? Confess as the Holy Spirit reveals. How can you be more open to learning from people?
2) Where are there disunity and a lack of love in your life? Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal anything that you are doing to cause trouble or bitterness in the relationship. How can you surrender and show humility?
3) Use this passage as a template for intercession. Ask the Lord who He wants you to intercede for, and pray Paul’s exhortation over them.
