ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHING
August 8, 2021
Scripture: Colossians 1:23b-24
I, Paul, became a servant of this gospel. I am now rejoicing in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am completing what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church.
Thought for the Day: Maybe you’re fine with it, but I feel a little uncomfortable with Paul’s use of the word ‘lacking.’ In other places in scripture, we read how the suffering of Jesus was more than adequate. In fact, perfect. So what was lacking? And how is Paul’s life somehow completing this work? As I write those words, I am also reminded of Jesus’ words when he told his disciples how they would do even greater works than he had done. Maybe Jesus is all that is needed, in the sense of showing the breath-taking love of God that is shared unconditionally to all. What is lacking is bringing that message to another generation. Paul was called as the Apostle to the Gentiles, to take this Good News to those who other Jesus followers had written off. So maybe I can feel comfortable in saying that what Jesus accomplished was perfect, but there is another generation of Jesus followers who are writing folks off. Maybe there is someone you know who has yet to experience the Good News, and maybe you are the very person who will help bridge the gap between the perfect message of Jesus and where that person has been made to feel unworthy.
Prayer: Thank you for the amazing model of love made real in Jesus. Empower me, Gracious God, to follow this example for the sake of someone who has been written off too many times. Amen.
