Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
February 11, 2023
Read Colossians 1:9-14
9 Because of this, since the day we heard about you, we haven’t stopped praying for you and asking for you to be filled with the knowledge of God’s will, with all wisdom and spiritual understanding. 10 We’re praying this so that you can live lives that are worthy of the Lord and pleasing to him in every way: by producing fruit in every good work and growing in the knowledge of God; 11 by being strengthened through his glorious might so that you endure everything and have patience; 12 and by giving thanks with joy to the Father. He made it so you could take part in the inheritance, in light granted to God’s holy people. 13 He rescued us from the control of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of the Son he loves. 14 He set us free through the Son and forgave our sins.
Good Morning, By the grace of God, we are forgiven!
Paul is addressing the faithful followers in Colossae from prison. As with most areas of this time, Colosse is ripe with many religious and pagan ideals. Idolators are very prevalent. Paul, who is in prison, is unable to come and nurture the congregation directly, so he reaches out in this letter.
He begins by lifting up their faithfulness and their growth in the spirit under the tutelage of Epaphras. 7 You learned it from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf, 8 and who also told us of your love in the Spirit. Paul also assures them that he is thankful for their efforts, that he prays for them daily, and that he asks God to continue opening the hearts and minds to the teachings of the Scripture.
Beginning in vs. 10, Paul reminds them that Christ is the cornerstone upon which their faith lies. It is through Christ that our salvation comes. Paul spends the first chapter of the letter, listing the virtues of living a life with Christ.
How is this letter relevant to us today? Paul’s words of encouragement and blessing help us to remember why we have chosen this path. We too live in a world with many who choose to not see Christ. Sometimes those idols that others worship seem worthy of our attention and we are pulled from our path. We must stay grounded in the truth of our salvation. Only by God’s grace can we join with Christ, our Redeemer. Jesus is calling us, just as we are, to come and follow him. 14 He set us free through the Son and forgave our sins.
Loving God, Thank You for being with us. We are not worthy, yet You call us to be with You. Thank you for making us worthy so that we might join You at the heavenly banquet table. Thank you! In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: Because God has called me, I am worthy.
Amazing Grace! Pastor Liz