Daily Meditations on the Bible / We stand with Israel
… striving together as one for the faith of the gospel…
Summary: “Striving together” suggests a coordinated effort between people. On closer examination, we discover that a loose association of believers can also “strive together.”
When was the last time you found yourself “striving together” with anyone? Do you remember? What were you striving for?
Continue reading “Philippians 1:27c – A Point of Focus”
… for your progress and joy in the faith…
Summary: Paul’s mission to the churches is somewhat unique and is summed up in this passage.
I find it interesting how God stage-manages his will in the world.
If I hadn’t already known better, I would have thought that the “Acts of the Apostles” would have been a story about how the former disciples of Jesus had become apostles to the world. But that didn’t happen.
Continue reading “Philippians 1:25b – When Paul Met Jesus”
The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached.
Summary: Paul is pondering what is most important in life. In this passage, he shares his conclusion that at the end of the day, all that matters is that Christ is preached.
How much Jesus is enough to save a soul?
This question may sound silly, but it stems from the passage before us. What does Paul mean by “in every way?” Does it matter if I preach a little Jesus or a lot? Is how I preach Jesus more important than the fact that I preach Jesus? What if I preach Jesus, but I do it in a way that you don’t like?
Continue reading “Philippians 1:18b – The Important Thing”
I thank my God every time I remember you.
Summary: Paul’s thankfulness for the church at Philippi is a sign of his love for them and his memories of his time with the Philippians.
Do you know anybody you’d do that for?
Do you know someone, whom every time you think of them, you literally thank God for that person?
Continue reading “Philippians 1:3 – A Special Place”
Give my greetings to the brothers and sisters at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house.
Summary: The mention of Nympha and the “church in her house” opens the door to considering other women of renown who served the Lord in different ways.
As we find our way through the last few verses of Paul’s letter to the Colossians, we have found several that are “greetings” from Paul and his associates to specific people. In this passage, we focus on the “brothers and sisters at Laodicea” and on a woman named Nympha who hosts a church in her home.
The mention of Nympha is a good reminder to focus on the role of women in the early church.
Continue reading “Colossians 4:15 – Nympha”
I vouch for him that he is working hard for you and for those at Laodicea and Hierapolis.
Summary: This passage invites us to indulge in the heart of meditation: Imagining what is possible.
This passage is a bit of a puzzle.
Paul is vouching for Epaphras’s work. Unfortunately, all we know for certain is that he is “working hard” and that the work is “for those at Laodicea and Hierapolis.”
Continue reading “Colossians 4:13 – Faith in Action”
… as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom…
Summary: Paul’s words on teaching and admonishing lead us to reflect on what the Lord’s church was intended to be and to meditate on what it might become in the future.
When was the last time you attended a church where the Statement of Beliefs page included these words, “Members are expected to teach and admonish one another with all wisdom”?
I’m guessing the answer is, “Never.”
Continue reading “Colossians 3:16c – Something to Think About”
Bear with each other …
Summary: Bearing with others means we suffer with them and put up with their differences.
What does it mean to “bear” with someone?
The word “bear,” like most words, has more than one use depending on context. What sets it apart, however, is the number of ways this word can be understood. It is extremely versatile!
Continue reading “Colossians 3:13 – Versatility “
… from whom the whole body, supported and held together by its ligaments and sinews, grows as God causes it to grow.
Summary: The body Paul describes can seem elusive in a world marked by divisions in the church. Exploring the concept in more detail leads us to a place of hope and introspection.
Paul raises a very interesting question in this passage: Does the body grow from the head?
It seems like a silly thought, but then I’ve never seen how the body of a human (or anything else) begins life. The miracle of life always begins hidden away from sight.
However, if we use the body as a metaphor for an organization, then yes, it begins with the head. Jesus is not only the “head” of the church, he is also the heart and the soul.
Continue reading “Colossians 2:19b – In Search of a Body”Therefore do not let anyone judge you …
Summary: Paul continues to explain what it means to be a believer in Jesus. Human rules count for nothing. All that matters is faith in our Savior.
As I sat down to write this meditation, I was debating with myself about whether or not I should tackle the whole verse. The more I stared at it, the more the first seven words cried out for special attention. So … before you judge me, know that I at least thought about including the whole verses before I chopped it up.
When Paul says, “Therefore do not let anyone judge you …” I tend to think to myself, “Yeah, right.” How does Paul expect us to stop people from judging us? On top of this is a larger question: How is the church supposed to function if people are not to judge?
Continue reading “Colossians 2:16a – Only Jesus”