Proclaiming Jesus Series

Colossians 1:28 He [Jesus] is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. 29 To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me.

Proclaiming Jesus-that everyone may become mature in Him

According to the Bible, what is . . .

the key to salvation? Jesus.

the basis of the Christian faith? Jesus.

the goal and path to heaven? Jesus.

the key to maturity? Jesus.

the basis of true spirituality? Jesus.

Many Christians today are involved in many good works. We campaign against abortion, for those who are downtrodden, for the outcast, the weak, the marginalized, the oppressed, the poor, the prisoner, the one walking in darkness. We vote for the candidate we think will stand for justice, and peace, and the freedom of all people everywhere to worship in accordance with their conscience. We work for the preservation of this planet God has entrusted to our care. These are all good causes. Yet such causes are not the central cause for which Paul strove. He worked with all his abilities to see that everyone would become mature in Christ. All other causes were derivative.

Strenuously, Energetically, Powerfully

How do you do what God has called you to?

The Preacher of the Old Testament commanded that whatever we do, we do with all our heart (Ecclesiastes 9:10). Paul will give a similar exhortation later in this letter (Colossians 3:23), so we’ll return to this theme then. Jesus, when asked the most important commandment, said, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, strength and mind” (Luke 10:27). There is dynamic, earth changing power in pursuing what God has called you to do with everything you are. When all of your energies are focused in the direction God guides the hosts of heaven stand at attention, ready to aid you in your righteous endeavor; the Spirit of God comes along side to help; Jesus adds His “Amen” to your prayers, and our heavenly Father moves creation to work on your behalf.

Patrick of Ireland prayed this prayer, maybe it captures well Paul’s focus on Jesus.

Christ be with me, Christ within me, Christ behind me, Christ before me, Christ beside me, Christ to win me, Christ to comfort and restore me. Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ in quiet, Christ in danger, Christ in hearts of all that love me, Christ in mouth of friend and stranger.

Melody Green expressed it beautifully in her song (her husband Keith set the words to music):

Make my life a prayer to you

I wanna do what you want me to

No empty words and no white lies

No token prayers no compromise

I wanna shine the light you gave

Through your son you sent to save us

From ourselves and our despair

It comforts me to know you’re really there

[Chorus]

Well I wanna thank you now

For being patient with me

Oh it’s so hard to see

When my eyes are on me

I guess I’ll have to trust

And just believe what you say

Oh you’re coming again

Coming to take me away

I wanna die and let you give

Your life to me so I might live

And share the hope you gave me

The love that set me free

I wanna tell the world out there

You’re not some fable or fairy tale

That I’ve made up inside my head

You’re God the son and you’ve risen from the dead

Prayer for Today

Father, teach me to know your Son, so that all of His goodness and truth and love and wisdom would be infused into my soul.

Give me clear direction. Then, with the power of Your Spirit, propel me forward with all the strength, energy, wisdom, and power of heaven. Fill me with fervor. Grant me the grace of living a life wholly given over to the calling you’ve placed on me.