To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious
riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Colossians 1:27
In Paul’s mind, the very substance of his message was the
indwelling Christ. He spoke of the “riches of the glory of this mystery—Christ
in you, the assurance of glory.” Though he had preached this gospel for so many
years as a missionary, he still asked for prayer that he might make that secret
known. The complaint is often made in regard to our churches that, after a
time, there appears to be no further growth and very little of the joy and
power for bearing witness to Christ Jesus. The question comes whether the
church at home is living in the experience of this indwelling Christ, so that
the sons and daughters whom she sends out also know the secret. The answer is
in Paul’s missionary message which culminates in the words:
“Christ
… in you … your assurance that you will share in his glory.”
Paul deeply felt the need for prayer to enable him to give this
message faithfully. Is there not a call to all those who pray for our
missionaries, and to our missionaries themselves, to obtain the power that
leads Christians into the enjoyment of their rightful heritage? May the church
at home also share in the blessing of this truth.
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