Paul has been commissioned by God to present to us "the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the saints. To 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 1:27
The message that Paul says he has been commissioned to give us is staggering! Two things cause real pause because we immediately feel totally unable to live up to God's expectations.
First he says that God's message is to be delivered to the saints, and we quickly argue that we are not saints. That, however, is because we hav e distorted ideas of what a saint is! Saints are those who belong to Christ and in whom his Holy Spirit lives. So the message is for us, his saints, and we'd better listen.
The second challenge involves the mystery. Paul says that Christ in us must bring hope. We are to be purveyors of hope to the dying world around us! That is the mysery--Christ in us is the hope! That should not only stagger us but fill us with great joy at having such a privilege. In a hopeless world, we get to bring the message of hope! What an awesome give this Baby has brought to us!
Father, thank you for entrusting us with this great gift! Thank you for letting us bring hope to the world for the sake of Jesus Christ. Amen.
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I like the fact, too, that it's the hope of glory. That someday (and maybe even now) we will shine with the love and grace of God beaming out from transparent lives, just like the glow fills and overflows the Christmas lights on our trees and porches, bringing beauty and wonder.
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