Our daily reflections follow the M'Cheyne Bible reading plan, designed for those who want to read the whole Bible in one year. Each reflection focuses on one of the chapters from that day's readings. Darllenwch rhain yn Gymraeg.
Lord, prepare me to receive your word. Clear my mind and warm my heart. Assure me of your loving purposes for me, and speak into my life today.
The last chapter of Colossians consists mainly of greetings and commendations which give us a window into the relationships Paul had with his fellow-workers. While he commends them all, he seems to have had a particular fondness for Aristarchus, Mark and Jesus 'called Justus', fellow Jews (verse 11); perhaps with all his passionate commitment to extending the gospel to Gentiles, he was still most at home with those most like himself. The dilemma is one familiar in what we'd now call cross-cultural mission today.
We might want to notice his almost casual references to being in prison (verses 3,10,18). This is probably his imprisonment in Rome, which lasted for around two years. It's likely that he experienced great hardship (he refers to 'chains') but he does not dwell on his own situation. Instead, he is wholly concerned with the Colossians to whom he's writing. No one would know, from the rest of the letter, what he was facing in his own life.
Our personal circumstances can be deeply troubling and distressing. We should never feel they are unimportant to God, or that our fellow-believers wouldn't be interested in our problems. But Paul's example is one to consider. He didn't just think, 'How can I get out of this place?' No doubt he'd rather have been at liberty, but he still sought to serve God where he was. As always with him, Christ came first.
God, thank you for your care for me whatever I face in my life. When I'm facing troubled times, help me to think not just of myself, but of how I can glorify the Lord Jesus Christ.
This reflection was written by Mark Woods, Bible Society's Editor
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