Today’s devotion comes from Colossians 1:24-29.
“Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I do my share on behalf of His body, which is the church, in filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions. Of this church I was made a minister according to the stewardship from God bestowed on me for your benefit, so that I might fully carry out the preaching of the word of God, that is, the mystery which has been hidden from the past ages and generations, but has now been manifested to His saints, to whom God willed to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. We proclaim Him, admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, so that we may present every man complete in Christ. For this purpose also I labor, striving according to His power, which mightily works within me. Colossians 1:24-29.
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Christians experience pressure to conform their faith and practice to the lowest common denominator of all religions: some vague spirituality. Public prayers at assemblies are tolerated so long as the name of Christ is not mentioned.
But, today’s Scripture reminds us that Christians proclaim Christ. Proclaim is defined in part as “to declare publicly, typically insistently, proudly, or defiantly and in either speech or writing”. Click here: Proclaim – Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary
“We proclaim Him, admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, so that we may present every man complete in Christ. For this purpose also I labor, striving according to His power, which mightily works within me.” Verses 28 and 29.
Like Paul, when we proclaim Christ, we may experience some suffering in retribution. Like Paul, we may need to “strive” to proclaim Christ. Strive is defined in part as “to devote serious effort or energy” and “to struggle in opposition”. Click here: Strive – Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary
But, there is hope!
First, we have abundant reason to proclaim Christ. Just earlier in this same chapter, we read the following about the incomparable Christ.
“For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities— all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything. For it was the Father’s good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him, and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross; through Him, I say, whether things on earth or things in heaven.” Colossians 1:13-20.
Second, we proclaim Christ according to Christ’s power, “which mightily works” within us. Verse 29.
“And when I came to you, brethren, I did not come with superiority of speech or of wisdom, proclaiming to you the testimony of God. For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified. I was with you in weakness and in fear and in much trembling, and my message and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith would not rest on the wisdom of men, but on the power of God.” 1 Corinthians 2:1-5.
Third, and in conclusion, the following Scriptures remind us that Christ has done great things for us, that Christ’s name is proclaimed through God’s sovereign power, that we also proclaim Christ even in the simple act of communion, and that we were chosen to proclaim Christ.
“Return to your house and describe what great things God has done for you.” So he went away, proclaiming throughout the whole city what great things Jesus had done for him.” Luke 8:39
“For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, “ FOR THIS VERY PURPOSE I RAISED YOU UP, TO DEMONSTRATE MY POWER IN YOU, AND THAT MY NAME MIGHT BE PROCLAIMED THROUGHOUT THE WHOLE EARTH.” Romans 9:17
“For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.” 1 Corinthians 11:26
“But you are A CHOSEN RACE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR God’s OWN POSSESSION, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;” 1 Peter 2:9
Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions 