January 3rd
Tenth Day of Christmas
Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you. He is always wrestling in his prayers on your behalf, so that you may stand mature and fully assured in everything that God wills. For I testify for him that he has worked hard for you and for those in Laodicea and in Hierapolis.
Colossians 4: 12-13
Earlier in Colossians, Paul wrote that he struggled for the Colossian church. Now we read that Epaphras wrestles in his prayers on behalf of the Colossians. We know the church in Colossae exists as fruit of Epaphras’ labor, as fruit of his witness. He is one of them. And he wrestles in his prayers, prayers for the Colossians to stand mature and fully assured in everything God wills.
This is the witness of a Jesus follower making Jesus followers. Epaphras is a disciple who makes disciples. And now these special people in Colossae remain on Epaphras’ heart, even as Epaphras is with Paul. In my mind’s eye I see a man with worn knees and kind eyes, a man who loves his people. And I wonder…
Do we wrestle in our prayers for others? Do we work hard so others might know Jesus Christ? I struggle with this… and I so often fall short. It seems so easy to feel overwhelmed by Epaphras’ example….
But be encouraged! Jesus invites us to become disciples making disciples through everyday living, within our own family and work life.
In Joining Jesus on His Mission, Greg Finke encourages us to open our eyes to God’s work around us. We need not turn our lives upside down. Instead, spend time with Jesus and see the people around you. The hurting mom or dad at the football game. The co-worker struggling with loss. The kid feeling isolated and alone. The neighbor you see each morning on a walk. Each day presents a new opportunity to join Jesus on His mission.
And as we join Jesus on His mission, wrestle in your prayers for others. Sometimes we make this so difficult when, really, prayer can be a part of everyday living. As you cook dinner… pray for your family. As you drive to work… pray for co-workers. As you walk your beloved dog… pray for your neighbors. And find short times of silence. Turn off the TV. Turn off the music. Turn off the social media. Just listen for God’s still small voice.
Jesus does not invite us to be Paul or Epaphras. Jesus invites us to be ourselves, disciples in our everyday context. And as we approach Epiphany, let us linger on this truth. Let us take simple steps to reorient our lives, incorporating mission and prayer into our everyday life.
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