“Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds.” Colossians 4:3
Dear Ones:
The letter to the Colossians was written by the Apostle Paul during his first imprisonment in Rome. It this there, in those very limiting and depriving circumstances, that God the Holy Spirit, gave to him a letter of such magnitude and scope, as would transform thousands of lives throughout the centuries. How do we know this? It is because of the vision of Christ that Paul puts before the believers, a vision of such grandeur and yet, humility, that faith is able to lay hold of Christ, according to the great transforming truths. But what about the open door for which Paul prayed? It is certainly true that the Lord opened up for him doors with individuals, and eventually, upon his release from prison, other opportunities to speak and testify of Christ. That which is not immediately recognized is that the Holy Spirit, by the letter that He gave the Apostle, would be sent though out the then known world, eventually reaching the extremities of the earth. This dispersion would certainly have humble beginnings, as it was passed along by individuals. However, because of the divine nature of the book, the great truths of the power and glory of Christ, the effects of God’s working, would have tremendous effects. That open door, though ever so small at Colossae, would slowly open to the world, and would be kept open for almost two thousand years. How could anyone have foreseen such blessing, and the revelation of the goodness and mercy of God revealed to so many people throughout history? Like Abraham, who certainly did not realize the extent of the blessing according to the promise of God with regard to all the families of the earth (Gen. 12:3), there was an initial hope and expectation. But then, God would accomplish in His own way and time, a work that exceeded all that one could ask or think for His glory.
What was it about this letter that would edify, and transform both believer and church alike? It was the portrait of the glorified Christ, and the specific application and ramifications of His work on Calvary. Paul begins this letter with much prayer, even writing out the prayer that he prays for the believers at Colossae. If the letter is to be effective, it must be accompanied by believing, specific prayer. Paul prays for the believers to be filled with the knowledge of the will of God…in order to walk worthy of the Lord, being strengthened by His might. He goes on to elevate the concept of Christ in their hearts, by unveiling to them Christ’s power as Creator and the Head of the Church. He proceeds to speak of the riches of Christ which are available to the believer, and how His work on Calvary did accomplish a work in them that they must see and understand. Christ blots out transgression, and delivers the believer from the lies and deception of men, so that he or she may lay hold upon this One who is “All In ALL.” The ultimate call of God for every believer, and for the church at Colossae, is to LIVE ABOVE. How is this to be since, with feet of clay, we “walk this sod?” It is by faith, living on the basis of the declared work of Christ. The Christ, who is the Life of the believer, calls the disciple to appropriate His live, and all the resources found therein. Putting off all that pertains to the old faithless life, the believer is called to put on all that is of the new life in Christ, living in and by the love of God, ruled by the peace of God, and letting the word of Christ to dwell “richly” in the heart. The repercussions of such a calling, as revealed in the word of God by the Spirit, are enormous as they become possible according to the truth of God’s promise.
Dear Father, Give us a clear and holy vision of Thy Son above, and in us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Love, Dad