We Tell Everyone

“We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me” Colossians 1:28 -29.

 The mystery was just that for ages — a mystery. But now, Paul says, the mystery has been revealed. The secret is out in the open. God wants everyone, not just Jews, to know His glory, enjoy His riches, and share His hope. God welcomes everyone — regardless of their background, regardless of their religious standing (or lack thereof) — even Gentiles. The message is simple — Jesus Christ lives in you and gives you assurance of sharing God’s glory.

Paul and Timothy are telling everyone about Jesus. The mystery is now the message. Everybody needs to hear the message. The message is for everybody. Jesus lives in you! That’s right, you! You who felt like an outsider. You who had nothing in common with God. You can be the ultimate insider with Jesus living inside you. You can share even the glory of God. Jesus created it all. Jesus is the head of the church. Jesus reconciled the world to God bringing us back as friends of God. Jesus made peace between God and man through His blood. Jesus brings us into God’s presence. This Jesus lives in you!

Paul and Timothy are warning and teaching everyone about Jesus. Ideas come and go. New philosophies have a way of sweeping through Colossae permeating even the hearts of Christians. The embracing of these new ideas and philosophies can make you feel special — in the know, a cut above, superior, spiritually elite. So the warning is issued. Jesus is what matters. Your salvation will not be the result of your perfect understanding or your embracing the newest idea, fad, or trend. Salvation is in Jesus. Salvation is by God’s grace. Reject any and every idea or philosophy that elevates anything to equality with Christ. Jesus is the mystery. The mystery is the message. Don’t add to the message. Christians can be mature in their relationship with God and presented to God complete only in Jesus. Nothing else is needed.

Paul and Timothy have been a lot of places. They have met a lot of people. People who feel on the outs with God. People who are grabbing for hope by latching on to every new idea that comes along. Everywhere they go they tell everyone they meet about Jesus. The mystery has been revealed. The message must not be concealed. Jesus must be proclaimed as the source of forgiveness, reconciliation, peace, and glory. Jesus is the hope of glory! Tell everyone. Tell it everywhere.

— Bob Clark

8/1/01