Submitted by Visitor (not verified) on Fri, 09/07/2010 – 11:03
Year C (2009-2010)
Bible Book: Colossians / Kolossense
Chapter: 1
Verse: 1 – 14
When I read the first chapter of this letter to the Colossians, I am often impressed by Paul’s positive approach. He thanks God (v 3, 12). He prays that the Colossians will be filled with knowledge and wisdom (v 9), live a fruitful live, pleasing to the Lord (v 10) and be strengthened to persevere with patience and joy (v 11).
What Epaphras told Paul about the congregation (v 7) gave him some reason for his delight – their faith, love (v 4) and hope (v 5). However, the deepest reason for Paul’s enthusiasm is not what these Christians did – it is his conviction of what God had done.
Paul therefore reminds his readers in verses 12 to 14 of what God has done for them and for him and for us. It is “the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light” (v 12 – NKJV). Paul describes their salvation with words reminding readers of the exodus of Israel from slavery and their inheritance of the Promised Land: The Father “has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son” (v 13 – NLT). Through what Jesus had done for us, our sins have been forgiven: “Because of what the Son has done, we have been set free. Because of him, all of our sins have been forgiven” (v 14 – NIRV).
It is when he contemplates these truths that Paul is able to stay positive – even though he writes this letter while in prison (cf 4:18) and even though he is concerned that the Christians in Colosse may be in danger of deviating from the true gospel (cf 2:20-23).
Paul knows what God did for him and for the Christians in Colosse. He knows that they now belong to a new kingdom – the Kingdom of the Son of God. They have been rescued from the “power of darkness” (v 13 – NKJV), and therefore these “powers” no longer have authority over them.
From this assurance flows the strength to endure, patience, joy and thanksgiving (cf v 11-12a).
To think about or discuss: Is it possible to maintain a positive approach in the midst of HIV and AIDS?
Author: N du Toit (Ds)
Language: English