December 6th
Second Sunday of Advent: Peace
Provided that you continue securely established and steadfast in the faith, without shifting from the hope promised by the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven. I, Paul, became a servant of this gospel. 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 the body, that is, the church.
Colossians 1:23 and 24
Paul admonishes the Colossians to continue securely established in their faith. We know of the Colossian’s faith, a faith learned from Epaphras. But what does Paul mean by his invitation to remain securely established and steadfast in the faith? Perhaps Hebrew’s Great Hall of Faith can help us understand. Hebrews 11:1 describes faith as “the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”
Abel’s acceptable offering reflected his right heart, his faithfulness.
Cain’s violence proof of a faithless heart.
Enoch walked with God.
A relationship so intimate that God whisked him into heaven before death.
Noah listened to and obeyed God.
Building the ark while being ridiculed by the world.
Abraham followed God without question.
And by faith Sarah conceived, bearing the chosen line of David.
And…
Paul’s faith transformed his every action.
Changing him from a prosecutor of the gospel to a servant of the gospel.
Even rejoicing in sufferings for the sake of the church.
God does not require a perfect heart. He requires a faithful heart. A heart willing to risk following Him, risk asking for forgiveness, and risk persevering in faith. Our ancestors took risks following God, often failing, but still persevering. Paul wants the Colossians to know of his suffering in faith. His perseverance on the church’s behalf. His willingness to risk, to be sifted and molded by Jesus. All the while, Paul calls the Colossians into that same risky act of steadfast faith.
And Jesus includes us in this invitation, an invitation to discipleship. A steadfast faith that reforms us into Jesus’ image. A steadfast faith that reaches outward. Disciples making disciples. A steadfast faith that brings peace as we fulfill our calling in Christ.
On this second Sunday of Advent, let us reflect on faith and peace, stopping and listening to Jesus’ voice, hearing the invitation to risk all to follow Him. To be disciples that make disciples.
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