Colossians 1:9 That is why we keep on talking to God about you since the day we heard about you. We ask him that you may know everything he wants you to do. We ask him that you may be very wise and that the Spirit will help you to understand.
10 We ask him that you will live the way the Lord wants you to live, so that you will please him in everything you do. We ask that you will do everything that is good. We ask that you will see the fruit from what you do. We ask that you will know more and more about God.11 God has wonderful power. And we ask him to give you all the strength you need to go through all your troubles, to be very patient in them, and to be happy.
12 Thank the Father who has made us ready to be with the people of God who live in his light.
Day 19—Of the people in Colosse that Paul knew, Epaphras bore the most meaningful testimony. |
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We have concluded that Paul most probably never went to Colosse. It seems to have been Epaphras who brought him the news of what was happening there. This man Epaphras must have gone to Rome and spent some time with Paul. We know little about him except what Paul said in Colossians 1:7 where he called him his dear fellowservant. It’s what we learn of him in Colossians 4:12, however, that gives us the most meaningful insight into who and what he was. Think on this verse as we let it minister to our own hearts. Here, we can see what an example of a true believer and son of the Kingdom he is.
Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.
What a way of praying that was! He labored fervently in prayer for the people whom he had known, but was not longer with them. For him, it was not a matter of being “out of sight, out of mind.” He continued bearing them before the Throne of God’s grace even when they were apart. May such grace and discipline in praying abide with us
And take note what he prayed. His desire before the Lord was that they might stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. This was an unusual supplication, that the believers back in Colosse—most probably a new congregation—might be established in a completion regarding God’s will for them. May we, as we consider others, hold that same compassion for them as we pray for them. What greater service could we render to our friends and loved ones whom we do not frequently see.
DEAR LORD, here are these certain ones whom I seldom see but who remain dear to my heart. Please bring your work to completion in them. Bring them to the place where they stand perfect and complete in Your will for them.
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