Friday, June 14 | Colossians 4:7-18 | Amy Jackson
Sometimes, when I’m reading an epistle, I have the temptation to treat the closing verses the same way I treat the credits at a movie theater. By the time the credits start to roll, I’ve tuned out and am already gathering my things to exit the theater. While we might be tempted to check out and look over this list of names, there’s a lot we can learn from these final verses.
Here’s the thing about the credits in a movie: while we might be familiar with the main stars, the people listed in the credits have a large responsibility to make the film happen - from designing sets to helping with makeup to editing film!
Paul here reminds us of the importance of the household of faith. He has written this letter, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. He says that Tychicus and Onesimus will fill them in on everything that has happened for Paul while he has been in prison. They are also greeted by a host of others, including John Mark, Ephaphras, and Luke. If you read on through Colossians 3:17, you’ll notice that the list of those in the credits has expanded to include Jews, Gentiles, a former slave, and even a woman!
Rather than skip over the people and places, pick up a study Bible to read the notes on why these people were important and integral to God’s mission in the early church. And, realize that, just like these people, you have a place and purpose in God’s kingdom work! You are a part of the credits, called to be a faithful servant. Perhaps it’s not in the same way as the preacher Paul, who was gifted in preaching and writing - but there are many callings to serve faithfully in God’s kingdom. After all, Nympha was the host of a house church and Luke was a physician - and both used their gifts to serve the kingdom.
So, where do you fit in the credits of God’s kingdom work? As you continue to seek out how God might use you, remember Paul’s benediction - that “grace be with you” (Colossians 4:18). Paul ends his letter in the same way that he began it - reminding us of the unmerited favor we have received from God through Christ, which is the only true motivation for our faithful service and witness.
Saturday, June 15-Sunday, June 16 | Colossians 3:1-4:18
Reread Colossians 3:1-4:18 over the weekend. Reflect on all that God has been saying to you through His word this week.
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