Christ In
You,
The Hope Of Glory
I am now rejoicing in my sufferings for your sake, and in my
flesh I am completing what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of
his body, that is, the church. I became its servant according to God’s
commission that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known,
the mystery that has been hidden throughout the ages and generations but has
now been revealed to his saints. To them God chose to make known how great
among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory if this mystery, which is Christ
in you, the hope of glory. It is he whom we proclaim, warning everyone and
teaching everyone in all wisdom, so that we may present everyone mature in
Christ. For this I toil and struggle with all the energy that he powerfully
inspires within me.
Colossians 1:24-29
There is a lot to be said for interdependence and personal
sacrifice while under fire that binds people together for life. Christ’s
suffering on the cross was sufficient for all of the sin we have within us. As
we complete Christ’s work on earth amid painful opposition, we share in His
sufferings. Jesus suffered for obeying the will of God, and so must we. But
like Paul, we can find joy as we draw closer to our Lord and our band of
brothers and sisters.
Suffering can be a magnet
that draws the Christian close
to Christ and fellow Christians.
Our Daily Bread –