Daily Readings & Thought for November 13th. “… EVERYONE MATURE IN CHRIST”


Today’s readings.. (Ezra 9), (Hosea 10), (Colossians 1)

How can everyone be mature?  Becoming mature is a vital process – and as we begin reading Paul’s letter to the Colossians today the total earnestness of Paul unfolds very clearly.  The believers there had once been “very hostile in mind, doing evil deeds” [1 v.21]  But now?  They are on the only road that leads to real salvation, a road we are also on!  It leads to the wonderful and eternal meaning of existence “if indeed” says Paul “you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard … of which I, Paul, became a minister.” [v.23] Paul writes of “the mystery” explaining it “is Christ in you, the hope of glory”.[v.27]  

What ‘vision’ develops in our minds as we contemplate this mystery of “the hope of glory” which begins with the reality of having Christ “in” us!  

Paul. in the next verse tells us he proclaims Christ, “warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature.”  Warning and teaching!  Paul is passionately committed to effectively serving his Lord who “called” him on the road to Damascus.  He is doing this “with all wisdom,”  he is not a teacher who is just presenting facts to his pupils, but, through the Spirit, he is intimately aware, indeed “powerfully” aware of their thought processes, he is “teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.”

Some of us have been, or are presently going, to University for several years, we then have knowledge of particular things to a fair degree – but we are not mature, although we might be tempted to think we are.   Certainly we do not have “all wisdom.”  

Now look carefully at the final verse in this chapter, it clearly indicates Paul’s total commitment – and what an example for us!  He writes of his utter dedication to be successful in making “everyone mature” saying ” For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully work within me.”  Paul makes the same point to the Philippians (3 v.17) “Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us.”  Are you and I mature? Are we “imitating” Paul? Are we letting our Lord work within us?  What example are we setting? 

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