February 17 | Colossians 1:24-29

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DAILY READING

Colossians 1:24-29

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REFLECTION

What are you doing for the body?

By Kim Starr

Not many of us have been called to present the Word of God in its fullness like Paul was. Paul is the church’s servant because of what the Lord asked him to do: spread the Word of God to the Lord’s people, both Jews and Gentiles. Paul did not have an easy time doing this. He was beaten, given 39 lashes, stoned, imprisoned, and shipwrecked. He was in danger in the city, in the wilderness, on the sea, and from robbers. He had labor, hardship, sleepless nights, was hungry and thirsty, and was in cold and the heat. (See 2 Corinthians 11:23-29) Yet, Paul continued his calling and rejoices in what he is suffering because his suffering was on behalf of the church. Paul labored according to Jesus’ power which worked mightily within him.

Even though Paul was suffering as he was spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ, he was doing so because he was chosen for the ministry for the benefit of the church. Imagine all of the people who only heard about God because of Paul’s ministry. New Testament scholar, Eckhard Schnabel, calculated that Paul traveled about 15,500 miles in his ministry, 8,700 miles of which were on foot. 

Like Paul, we have each been given the command to go and make disciples for Christ. (See Matthew 28:19-20) Each of us should view ministry and the abilities we have to do it as a gift entrusted to us by God for his glory. None of us has suffered as much as Paul, not to mention Jesus, but our reason for suffering is the same: it is for the benefit of the body and ultimately for the glory of God. Christ is in each of us and that means we can accomplish anything he wants us to do. We need to pray and discern how he wants us to accomplish great things.

What have you done to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ? Have you invited someone to church, Sunday Nights, youth group, Vacation Bible School, or summer camp? Have you prayed about participating in any number of mission trips that are occurring between now and the fall? (See ualc.org/missions) What is God calling you to do? Like Paul, we all need to be willing to toil for God’s glory and to share his Good News with every tribe, tongue, people and nation.

PRAYER

Dear God, thank you for giving us Paul as an example of how to follow your command and spread your Word to your people. Please show us something specific you would have us do to benefit the body of Christ. Amen.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kim Starr

I have been a member of UALC since I was 2-years-old. Over my life I have participated in, and volunteered for, numerous ministries, programs, and activities, all of which have grown and strengthened my faith. I have been blessed beyond measure by not only being a part of this congregation, but also by being able to worship with three generations of my family.