November 29th
First Sunday of Advent: Hope
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, to the saints and faithful brothers and sisters in Christ in Colossae:
Colossians 1:1-2a
In the Spring and Summer, Joel and I soak in the West Texas wildlife as we enjoy evening walks around the golf course. Deer slowly eat their way onto the lush green grass. A peacock sits on a fence. Ducks swim in the pond. Sometimes even a creepy tarantula walks down the cart path. We also watch new houses being built. The builder clears the land, lays the foundation, and begins to frame the house. Each part must be completed before the next part can begin.
The letter to the Colossians reminds me of this building process. Paul clears the land, pours the foundation, frames his lesson, and then slowly adds clarifying details. As we journey through Colossians, we will witness Paul teaching the Colossians how to grow in Christ. Brick by brick, lesson upon lesson, Paul creates a beautiful picture of Christian discipleship.
So, how does Paul build the foundation? First, Paul identifies himself as an apostle of Jesus Christ, a person on mission with Jesus. Paul loves the Colossian people, and he desires that they continue growing in their faith. For this reason, Paul purposely identifies himself as an apostle of Jesus Christ, purposely affirming that his words come from an intimate relationship with Jesus.
Second, Paul uses affectionate language in describing the Colossian people. Paul calls Timothy brother, recognizing Timothy as being especially close to Paul’s heart. Paul then calls the Colossians brothers and sisters in Christ. We get the feeling of intimacy, relationship, and family. Ironically, we learn later that Paul does not personally know the Colossians, yet Paul feels a deep kinship with these believers because of the way they live out their faith.
Finally, Paul identifies the Colossians as being in Christ. The phrase in Christ creates an image of walking in the pathway of Jesus, walking hand in hand with Our Savior. As we move forward in Colossians, the term in Christ comes up again and again. It is the pathway of love, the way of abundant and true life. As Paul beckons the Colossians deeper onto this pathway in Christ, Jesus beckons us, calling us by name. Do you hear Him?
Today begins the Advent season, a season of anticipating the birth of the Savior. Let us journey together into this special season, following Jesus on His pathway… growing together in our journey of faith and hope.
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