Daily Bread 11-27-17

Colossians 4:18

The salutation by the hand of me Paul. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you. Amen.

ref. - Heb 13:3 - Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body.

As Paul was closing this letter to the Colossians he wanted them to know that he respected them and saluted them. He was saying good bye in a way as he had told them that the letter should be read to all of the Churches in the region so that they could all know the direction in which they should go and also the instruction that he had for them as the leader of the Churches of God. But he also let them know that he needed their prayers and needed them not to forget him as he was often bound and suffering adversity. As the body of Christ, the Church, we also need not to forget one another. We are a part of the same body and for that body to function we must look out for one another. Not only for all to expect and receive the prayers of those who have been put in authority but also to keep praying for them. As we know the word of God tells us that with more understanding comes more responsibility. It also tells us that the closer we get to Christ and his ways the more we will face opposition or adversity. So if we are just growing as Christians and facing what we face, just imagine what those who have been put in seats of authority must face. Still human, still men, but given much more understanding and, in turn, much more responsibility. Some times that is easy to forget as our main focus becomes our own selves and our own salvations. But without men like Paul we would not have been introduced to such a great salvation or we may not have been encouraged to draw closer and move further in Christ. So, today, let us not forget those men who are bound to this gospel and facing all of the toils and troubles that the world can throw at them. Just as we are an important part of the body of Christ so are they. They have entered into a covenant with Christ that offers them no other way and have been called to a life of worldly rejection, worldly opposition, and worldly torment, including also the opposition of many who claim to be in the Church but are tools of the enemy. So these men also need all of our prayers. Encouragement that we can offer, rather than a pat on the back, is our prayers. Prayers in faith, knowing that, just as we were taught by these men, God hears our prayers and permanent solutions for temporary problems are on the way! Do something good for those who have entered into a lifetime of service unto our Lord and have been put in seats of authority. We must pray for them each time we bow our heads, and have faith that they will be there for us to help us understand the things that are foreign to us and to pray for all of us. The body is only as good as its weakest part so let's lift them up in prayers as they lift us up as well! Together we can make it. One mind, one accord, one body, all in Jesus Christ!!!!!

In order to be able to stand alone on that great and final day of judgment, we must first learn to stand together in Jesus Christ!! Have a great day!!!