David Bahn – Reflections

I am glad when I suffer for you in my body, for I am participating in the sufferings of Christ that continue for his body, the church. ²⁵ God has given me the responsibility of serving his church by proclaiming his entire message to you. ²⁶ This message was kept secret for centuries and generations past, but now it has been revealed to God’s people. ²⁷ For God wanted them to know that the riches and glory of Christ are for you Gentiles, too. And this is the secret: Christ lives in you. This gives you assurance of sharing his glory.

²⁸ So we tell others about Christ, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all the wisdom God has given us. We want to present them to God, perfect in their relationship to Christ. ²⁹ That’s why I work and struggle so hard, depending on Christ’s mighty power that works within me.

^2:1 I want you to know how much I have agonized for you and for the church at Laodicea, and for many other believers who have never met me personally. ² I want them to be encouraged and knit together by strong ties of love. I want them to have complete confidence that they understand God’s mysterious plan, which is Christ himself. ³ In him lie hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

⁴ I am telling you this so no one will deceive you with well-crafted arguments. ⁵ For though I am far away from you, my heart is with you. And I rejoice that you are living as you should and that your faith in Christ is strong.  – Colossians 1:24-2:5 [New Living Translation]

Isaac Newton is said to have “discovered” gravity while sitting in his mother’s garden, thinking about the forces of nature, and saw an apple fall from a nearby tree. The rest, as they say, is history. Well, of course he did not discover gravity. But he did postulate several laws of nature, gravity, mass, and movement. These are extremely helpful in day-to-day life. 

Einstein, on the other hand, delved into the physics behind the apple’s fall. He thought on deeper atomic levels about motion, relativity, and quantum mechanics. While we give little thought to applying Einstein’s theories on a day-to-day basis, we owe much to him when it comes to using our cell phones, or watching astronauts do spacewalks around the International Space Station. There is much deep science behind both the walks themselves as well as the means by which we are able to observe them at all.

Paul – at least in this passage – exhibits a deep appreciation for the whys our our salvation, the deep theological truths of the incarnation, and the profound mystery of Christ’s presence and impact in our lives. So much so that I decided to utilize the New Living Translation for this passage to try to grasp the meaning in plain English. The Greek itself or the more difficult-to-understand English Standard Bible or New American Standard Bible translations reveal some of the intricacies of Paul’s thinking and teaching. 

Paul was a well-educated man, a student of Gamaliel. Gamaliel held a leading position in the Sanhedrin and he enjoyed the highest repute as teacher of the Law. Paul had been taught well. In addition to Gamaliel’s teaching, he had been in the wilderness for 14 years, studying and learning. It seems that the Lord had given Paul some specific instruction during that time, for Paul speaks of having “received from the Lord…” (1 Corinthians 11:23) the words of Jesus at his Last Supper. 

Paul could have simply said that Jesus is the only One in whom is true hope, life, and salvation and left it at that. But he goes well beyond that here. He speaks of Christ in us as the hope of glory. He writes of the fullness wisdom and knowledge residing in Christ. He explains that God’s mysterious plan is Christ himself. 

As he does so he explains that he is enduring his own suffering and hardships so that the Colossian Christians would realize just how important it is that they know and believe this. In a way, he is predating Newtonian and Einsteinian thinking. Newtonian: I’m hard pressed, suffering, and agonizing for you because I want you to realize just how important this message is. Einsteinian: This message is important because only in Christ is true hope, life, salvation, knowledge, and wisdom. 

OK…I realize this may not be the best analogy for understanding this passage. But it is good to know both: the message of Jesus is of vital importance because he is the only source of life, hope, wisdom, knowledge, and salvation. 

I am glad when I suffer for you in my body, for I am participating in the sufferings of Christ that continue for his body, the church. ²⁵ God has given me the responsibility of serving his church by proclaiming his entire message to you. ²⁶ This message was kept secret for centuries and generations past, but now it has been revealed to God’s people. ²⁷ For God wanted them to know that the riches and glory of Christ are for you Gentiles, too. And this is the secret: Christ lives in you. This gives you assurance of sharing his glory.

²⁸ So we tell others about Christ, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all the wisdom God has given us. We want to present them to God, perfect in their relationship to Christ. ²⁹ That’s why I work and struggle so hard, depending on Christ’s mighty power that works within me.

^2:1 I want you to know how much I have agonized for you and for the church at Laodicea, and for many other believers who have never met me personally. ² I want them to be encouraged and knit together by strong ties of love. I want them to have complete confidence that they understand God’s mysterious plan, which is Christ himself. ³ In him lie hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

⁴ I am telling you this so no one will deceive you with well-crafted arguments. ⁵ For though I am far away from you, my heart is with you. And I rejoice that you are living as you should and that your faith in Christ is strong.  – Colossians 1:24-2:5 [New Living Translation]

Maybe you’ve gone the extra mile. Or two. You’ve forgiven an offence for the 49th time (7X7). A slight from someone you love has been overlooked, even though it has hit that very tender spot in your heart. Yet again. A loan has been forgiven only to be replaced by a new and larger one. You’ve cleaned up after your husband for the 1000th time. Or listened for hours upon hours to your wife. Or let your son’s insolence not get the better of you. Or nodded again as your daughter spun her made-up tale of woe.

Sometimes we go an extra two or three miles for those we love. Paul went even beyond that not just because he loved the people of Colossae (whom he had not even seen face to face). He did that because of Christ’s love to him. He did it because he realized just how incredibly superior Jesus was compared with any other man. He was made to realize that Jesus was the One in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. In Christ are the riches of the glory of the mystery that Christ is in us and is the hope of true glory.

But Paul speaks a lot about himself. He writes of his suffering. He tells them of his struggles. He mentions the pressure he’s under as he brings the Gospel message to the people in Colossae and Laodicea. He makes no attempt to hide his suffering or whitewash the severe trials he has undergone. He does this to encourage these people. He does that to encourage us. If it was worth the extent of suffering that Paul had to endure in order to get the Gospel to them, surely this message is valuable. If he is willing to go to such great lengths to bring the message of Jesus to them, that message must surely be of vital importance.

We might want to make a hero of Paul. Surely he would serve well as a hero of the faith. His life and complete dedication to spreading the gospel are heroic and emulatable. Sometimes Paul does seem to dance on the fine line of showing how important the message is and of showing how dedicated he is to delivering that message. But these words here point me toward believing that Paul is making the point of how far he has gone not so that they would trust him. He’s doing this to point them to the One whose message he is carrying. He’s doing it to encourage hearts, to knit people together, and to point them toward all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge centered in Jesus. What more can any hero do?

Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church, ²⁵ of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known, ²⁶ the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints. ²⁷ To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. ²⁸ Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. ²⁹ For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.

^2:1 For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face, ² that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ, ³ in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. ⁴ I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments. ⁵ For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ. – Colossians 1:24-2:5

If you could have dinner with any religious leader, living or dead, other than Jesus Christ, who would you choose? Here are some options:

• Saul of Tarsus who became Paul the missionary and author of this letter.
• Martin Luther, who ignited the protestant reformation just over 500 years ago
• St. Augustine of Hippo, who championed the message of grace and wrote of his conversion after a life of profligacy and rebellion, and whose mother never ceased praying for him
• Charles Wesley, who wrote many hymns which we love and sing today
• Billy Graham
• Mother Teresa
• Someone else…maybe even someone who fell from grace, or at least shamed themselves after a time of major success. Sadly there are several candidates in this category. 

Paul makes a point that he proclaims Jesus Christ so that he “may present everyone mature in Christ.” Such is no easy task. For there are pitfalls, threats, and temptations thrown at us daily. This is especially true of Christian leaders. Whenever one’s success outruns his character, celebrity fails and falls. And great is its crash. Celebrity pastors all too easily trip over their own fame.

Paul points us to Jesus, who never fails us. He is the Son of God, the One who deserves all the fame and glory that can be given. And his character is perfectly capable of handling that fame. Those who put their hopes and trust in him will never be disappointed. They will never be ashamed of him. They will never be left utterly disappointed at his lack of faithfulness. They will never be left short of his promises. 

So when you hear someone preaching Jesus, urging faith in him, pointing people to God’s promises anchored in Jesus’ death, resurrection and final return, lean in. Listen well. Maybe that pastor isn’t a rock star. Maybe he doesn’t have his name on the side of a megachurch. Maybe he isn’t all that great. But if he is pointing you to Jesus, listen well. And rejoice whenever anyone points beyond himself to the One in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. In Jesus, after all, is the true hope of glory. 

Meditate on and pray these psalms on this Lord’s Day. Pray for the war-ravaged people in Ukraine. Pray for the people of this nation. Pray for those who feel abandoned by God. Pray that God’s name will be praised, and people will turn to him.

[God] has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, ¹⁴ in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

¹⁵ He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. ¹⁶ For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. ¹⁷ And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. ¹⁸ And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. ¹⁹ For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, ²⁰ and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.

²¹ And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, ²² he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him, ²³ if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister. – Colossians 1:13-23

Ir reminds me of the movie Ransom where a very wealthy father played by Mel Gibson offers a huge ransom – not to the kidnappers, but to whoever is able to return his son to him, or bring the kidnappers to justice. His resolve and commitment to attain the return of his son is remarkable. His willingness to go to great lengths is inspiring. It is, however, but a faint reflection of the unbelievable lengths to which God went to rescue and redeem us. And for some he sends rescuers who will go to great lengths to complete the rescue. 

I’m thinking of people like Peter Fleming, 27; Jim Elliot, 28; Ed McCully, 28; Roger Youderian, 31, and Nate Saint, 32. These five missionaries went to the Ecuadorean rain forest to bring the good news of Jesus to the people there. They were killed by a group of Waodani tribesmen. Later, Mincayani, one of the tribesmen was converted and eventually Nate Saint’s son returned to the village where he becomes part of Mincayani’s family. Thank God for people who will go that far to bring the love of Jesus to others. It’s sometimes a long trip. But it’s an all-too-short trip compared with the journey of grace Jesus took in order to redeem us. 

Are you living in the shadows of shame? Do the mountains of fear loom between you and God? Have you walled off your heart to God’s peaceful presence? Is there a lie holding you captive from a life of true joy and purpose? 

There are two ways that chasm may be spanned. One is to give way to God’s love and believe in his mercy, forgiveness, and grace for you. Jesus has redeemed us and has now reconciled us in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present us holy and blameless and above reproach before God. Many who are reading this blog are living in that joy. But it could be that you are destined to be part of God’s continuing quest to bring the favor and blessing of God to others. 

You may know someone who is living in darkness, walled off from God, deceived by Satan’s lies. Might God be using you to kick down doors, shine the light of grace and truth, climb over mountains of excuses and rationalizations, to bring them to himself? This may be what you need most fully to enjoy the redemption won by Jesus.

It’s not a matter of getting to God’s grace; that’s already been given. But living fully from God’s grace is an adventure of faith that is also part of the journey of grace.

Wreckless Love

[God] has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, ¹⁴ in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

¹⁵ He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. ¹⁶ For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. ¹⁷ And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. ¹⁸ And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. ¹⁹ For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, ²⁰ and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.

²¹ And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, ²² he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him, ²³ if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister. – Colossians 1:13-23

You came from heaven to earth to show the way, from the earth to the cross my debt to pay. From the cross to the grave. From the grave, to the sky. Lord I lift your name on high. These words from a contemporary Christian song that was a favorite of mine years ago only begin to describe the journey of grace that Jesus took in order to redeem us. 

I like to think of the incredible glory, bliss, honor, and majesty that Jesus experienced from the beginning of time (the Word was in the beginning and was God, and became flesh – cf. John 1). He came from that glory to the ignominy of the cross. He did that so that we would be reconciled to God, at peace with him. Holy and blameless and above reproach. Imagine that! Above reproach. No one can lay a charge against us because of the righteousness of Christ. I want my actual outer life to reflect that inner reality of Jesus’ mercy, grace, forgiveness, and love. 

[God] has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, ¹⁴ in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

¹⁵ He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. ¹⁶ For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. ¹⁷ And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. ¹⁸ And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. ¹⁹ For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, ²⁰ and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.

²¹ And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, ²² he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him, ²³ if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister. – Colossians 1:13-23

My son tells the story of a road trip he took while in college. They were coming home for the Christmas holidays. His soon-to-be wife was in the car, along with another friend who was hitching a ride to his home. He asked, “Are we there yet?” They had not moved an inch. My son’s reply: “Yes! Get out.” They had miles to go before they slept, as the saying goes. They had not gone far at all – to say the least.

Sometimes we may not realize how far we have to go in our relationship with God. Or how far we have come. That’s mostly because we live day to day without giving much thought to the incredible journey of grace we’ve traveled. Or the impossible-to-comprehend journey of grace God took to rescue and redeem us. We’re thankful, to be sure, of God’s love. We rejoice in his mercy and forgiveness. We pray for his help and support. We look for his wisdom and guidance. But we seldom look over the chasm of utter doom and destruction from which we have been rescued and that lies between us and God apart from that grace.

Paul points these people to the extent of God’s rescue from their wayward lives and rebellious hearts prior to being reconciled to God. That they were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds is no small claim. It’s a thing of the past. But the past is history they needed to claim. It’s a matter of humility. It’s also a matter of God’s mercy and grace. The call to remember their former brokenness was also a warning. If they do not continue in this faith, the implication is clear. There is a blessing and status to be forfeited.

I don’t like to think about this. I’d rather believe we can all live well and celebrate with the angels in blissful happiness. Without worry of being lost. Without danger of losing the gift of God. But maybe the warning is needed. Maybe?!? I’m thinking it’s here for our edification. I’m thinking it’s a warning. I don’t think it’s a moment when we haven’t actually left on the trip, asked “Are we there yet?” only to hear God answer, “Yes. Get out.” But I take this as a serious warning to remember the height from which we might fall – apart from God’s mercy and a life of continuing faithfulness (Cf. Revelation 2:5).

Thanks be to God for his mercy and grace! We do have a past. But we also have a Savior by whom we have been reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to be presented holy and blameless and above reproach before him. I don’t believe we never sin after our conversion. But I do believe we must not take any sin lightly, and by so doing cheapen the grace of God. A sober reminder for me. Maybe for you, too, dear reader.

[God] has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, ¹⁴ in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

¹⁵ He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. ¹⁶ For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. ¹⁷ And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. ¹⁸ And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. ¹⁹ For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, ²⁰ and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.

²¹ And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, ²² he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him, ²³ if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister. – Colossians 1:13-23

I’ve noticed something about the way my wife and I deal with leftovers differently. It may have to do with our unique personalities and approaches to life. Her’s is decidedly more reserved than mine. That’s not a critical remark. In fact it may be a complement. I might could learn something from her. What has that to do with dealing with leftovers? I’m inclined to eat the last two tablespoons of the roasted veggies, or piece of salmon. She’s more inclined to save them for tomorrow’s veggie omelette or salad. Or when we do put them in containers, I’m often choosing a smaller one than she would. “It’ll fit in this one,” I’ll remark.

Which brings me to this delightfully mysterious truth in verse 19. All the fullness of the deity was pleased to dwell in Jesus. This is another way to say, “The Word became flesh.” This is another way of saying that Jesus is not just the son of Mary, but the Son of God, from eternity true God, and for a while true man on earth. 

I am struck by the idea that God put himself into human flesh. He took on bodily form. He became one of us. He did not remain aloof. He did not wipe out the world that he had created, even though man had corrupted it by his waywardness and rebellion. He came to deliver us. He came to reconcile all things to himself through the cross of Jesus. It took a man to redeem lost mankind. And God put himself fully to the task of it. 

“Two mighty words; ‘fullness’a substantial, comprehensive, expressive word in itself, and ‘all,’ a great little word including everything. When combined in the expression, ‘all fullness,’ we have before us a superlative wealth of meaning.” (Spurgeon)

Even more importantly I note that God was pleased to do this. Reconciling us and all things to himself. Doing it through the cross. Coming to earth and dwelling in bodily form. Making all this happen through the cross – the death of His own son. God was pleased to do this. The Greek word, εὐδόκησεν, is an expression of God’s pleasure and indicates that God was not begrudging in this act of reconciliation and salvation. The word has the same root as is used at Jesus’ baptism, “This is my Son, with him I am well pleased.” It enlarges God’s heart to see us redeemed, reconciled, restored, and rescued. 

God is all in for us, and pleased to be so. Where do we need to reflect that today? 

[God] has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, ¹⁴ in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

¹⁵ He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. ¹⁶ For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. ¹⁷ And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. ¹⁸ And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. ¹⁹ For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, ²⁰ and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.

²¹ And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, ²² he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him, ²³ if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister. – Colossians 1:13-23

“Dad, I’ve noticed something. When you preach, no matter what you’re talking about you end up talking about Jesus.” My son was sincerely wishing to help me be a better preacher. To be fair with him, he might have had a point. But at the same time, so did I. I want to get people to Jesus in any case, no matter what the sermon is about. For I truly believe that, “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. ¹⁶ For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. ¹⁷ And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. ¹⁸ And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent.” That being the case, I believe he should be preeminent in my preaching. 

Because Jesus is all that – and more – I feel compelled to bring the hearer to Jesus every opportunity I get. John’s gospel was given so that the readers and hearers of it would believe that “Jesus is the Christ,  the Son of God, and that by believing they may have life in his name. (John 20:31) My hope is to give life to my hearers (and readers!). Hopefully you’ll encounter Jesus here regularly. 

I love this passage because it gives so much glory to Jesus. Attaching words and phrases like firstborn of all creation, preeminent, image of the invisible God, and the One who holds all things together, points us to honor Jesus like none other. This is so appropriate, however, not only because of his majestic glory but even more so because of his grace and love. 

A missionary working in east Asia spoke of the many people there who do not know Jesus and are not giving him the honor he deserves. That phrase caught my attention. I want Jesus to be honored. He is my Savior and Lord. He is pure and good. My friend identified her place of missionary activity as east Asia because she is actually potentially in danger if the wrong people get wind of her work where she is. But her desire to honor Jesus has moved her to this. I hope that I can honor Jesus similarly wherever I serve him – not just in my sermons or blog posts, but in all I think, say, or do. He is surely worthy of it.

Meditate on and pray these psalms on this Lord’s Day. Pray for the war-ravaged people in Ukraine. Pray for the people of this nation. Pray for mothers and their children. Pray for those who voice opinions different from yours. Pray that God’s name will be praised, and people will turn to him.