As Paul the apostle
continued his letter to the Colossians, he included the idea that a
“mystery” was hidden by the Lord which was revealed “to his
saints” in his day. In chapter one and verse twenty-seven we
learn what that “mystery” was. We read:
To
whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of
this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of
glory:
The verse begins, “To
whom God would make known what is the riches of the
glory...” As a continuation of
his thought in verse twenty-six concerning the “mystery”
which was hidden “from ages and generations”,
Paul states “To whom God would make known”
or “to become known, be recognized, to know, to gain
knowledge of, have thorough knowledge of” “what is the riches”
which refers to “wealth, abundance of external possessions,
fullness, abundance, plenitude” “of the glory” or
“splendor, brightness, magnificence, excellence, preeminence,
dignity, grace, most glorious condition, and most exalted state”.
The idea is that God revealed this “mystery” or “hidden
and secret thing”, and this “mystery” is extremely
valuable.
The
verse goes on to say, “...of
this mystery among the Gentiles;” This
hidden “mystery”
was now not only among the Jews, but also “among the
Gentiles” which were “tribes,
nations, or people groups”, and they were considered to be any
group which was not of Jewish origin. Let us note that this was
extremely good news for the Colossians who were Gentiles.
Finally
the verse says, “which is Christ in you, the hope of
glory:” Not only does Paul
write that this “mystery”
was revealed and given to the Gentiles, but he discloses the
“mystery” with
this phrase “which is Christ in you”
or “Jesus Christ living inside the Gentile Colossians”. Paul
calls Jesus “the hope of glory”
which means “the source of joyful and confident expectation
of eternal salvation”. Because Jesus lived within the church
members of Colosse, they could now “hope” for the “glory”
of being saved and living eternally with God.
As we meditate upon Paul's
words, let us allow the idea that this hidden “mystery”
has been revealed by God so that people from every land, tribe,
people and nation may live with “the hope of glory”
because of Jesus Christ. The “mystery” was that God
intended all people to be saved and come to live with Him, and those
who believe in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord shall do so. If Christ
is within them, people from all over the world will live eternally
with the Heavenly Father some day, and this was the intention of God
not only for the Colossians, but also for all who will believe in
Him. As we ponder these “riches of this mystery”, let us
give praise and thanks to our Lord Jesus for His wonderful sacrifice
that gave opportunity for all people, both Jews and Gentiles, to live
eternally with Him.
Next
time Paul writes concerning warning and teaching,
so read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until
tomorrow...there is more...
Look
for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From
Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be
Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the
Mount” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ;
www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at
www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.
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