The Word of Truth
Bible Reading: Colossians 1:1-8
Colossians 1:5-7a, “Of this you have heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel, which has come to you, as indeed in the whole world it is bearing fruit and increasing—as it also does among you, since the day you heard it and understood the grace of God in truth, just as you learned it from Epaphras our beloved fellow servant.”
On a dangerous seacoast where shipwrecks often occur, there was once a little life-saving station. The building was primitive and there was just one boat Yet the members of the life-saving station were committed to keep a constant watch over the sea. When a ship went down, they unselfishly went out day, or night to save the lost. Because so many lives were saved by that station, it became famous.
Consequently, many people wanted to be associated with the station to give their time and talent and gave money to support its important work. New boats were bought, new crews were recruited and a formal training session was offered. As the membership in the life-saving station grew, some of the members became unhappy the building was so primitive and the equipment was outdated. They wanted a better place to welcome survivors pulled from the sea. So they replaced the emergency cots with beds and put better furniture in the enlarged and newly decorated building.
Since that time the life-saving station become a popular gathering place for its members. They met regularly and when they did, it was apparent how they loved one another. They greeted each other, hugged each other, sharing with one another the events which had been going on in their lives. But fewer members were interested in going to sea on life-saving missions; so they hired lifeboat crews to do this for them.
The gospel God has made known to you is meant to be shared! How did the gospel, “the word of truth,” make its way to Colossae? It was not the Apostle Paul who brought it there (Colossians 2:1), but Epaphras. It’s likely Epaphras heard it from Paul when he was in Ephesus, which was about 100 miles away. Epaphras, whose name means “charming,” heard the message and was then burdened to return to his hometown to make it known to others (Colossians 4:12). In so doing he exercised a charming influence on an entire town!
The powerful-to-save message of salvation by grace through faith in Christ worked to save and transform lives and a church was born. Paul possessed it. He proclaimed it. Others believed, including Epaphras. Epaphras then shared his treasure with others. That’s how the process works.
Someone shared the gospel with you. You now possess, in your earthen vessel, the treasure of knowing Jesus. That treasure–and the glorious gospel which led you to it–was a gift to you that is meant to be shared. Have you shared it with anyone recently? Is there someone in your life who even now needs to hear about the salvation availed to them through Christ’s death for sins and resurrection from the dead? Pray for them and look for opportunities to speak of what Jesus has done for you!
PASS IT ON
It only takes a spark to get a fire going,
And soon all those around can warm up in its glowing;
That’s how it is with God’s Love,
Once you’ve experienced it,
Your spread the love to everyone
You want to pass it on.
What a wondrous time is spring,
When all the tress are budding
The birds begin to sing, the flowers start their blooming;
That’s how it is with God’s love,
Once you’ve experienced it.
You want to sing, it’s fresh like spring,
You want to pass it on.
I wish for you my friend
This happiness that I’ve found;
You can depend on God
It matters not where you’re bound,
I’ll shout it from the mountain top,
I want the world to know
The Lord of love has come to me
I want to pass it on.
LookingtoJesus 