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STRUGGLE AND GLORY (COLOSSIANS 1:24-29)

REFLECTION

“Struggle and glory” is the theme for our reflection. To struggle means to make a strenuous effort in the face of difficulties or opposition. Glory is the honour and praise that you earn by achieving something. Struggle and glory means overcoming challenges or difficulties to attain honour and praise. We shall reflect on the fact that the Christian’s life is a journey of struggles and glory.

Beloved in the Lord, Christian ministry or serving our Lord Jesus Christ is a journey that begins with and involves struggles and ends in glory. Paul’s ministry is an example of struggling or enduring hardship on account of preaching the Gospel of salvation to the Gentiles. “Now I have joy in my pain because of you, and in my flesh I undergo whatever is still needed to make the sorrows of Christ complete, for the salvation of his body, the church; 25 Of which I became a servant by the purpose of God which was given to me for you, to give effect to the word of God” (Colossians 1:24-25) Paul was even in prison in Rome when he wrote the epistle of Colossians to enlighten or teach the church on the divinity and Lordship of Jesus Christ. Dear friend, serving God or being a disciple of our Lord Jesus Christ is not an easy journey. It comes with great temptations, endurance, patience, and struggles. Jesus had already made it known to us when He said, “Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me.” (Matthew 24:9)

Dear friend in Christ, regardless of our struggles as believers, we must continue to serve and please Jesus at all times to help others come to the saving knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ, Paul said “He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. 29 To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me.” (Colossians 1:28-29). When we have gone through the struggles on account of our Lord Jesus Christ, then we can confidently say with Paul, “Christ in you (me), the hope of glory.” (Colossians 1:27). Our struggles in Christ are worth it because He has assured us that ““Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven,” (Matthew 5:11-12) Again, when have struggled on account of our faith we can confidently say with Paul before his death that, “For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day —and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” (2 Timothy 4:6-8)

In summary, we have discovered that the Christian’s life is a journey of struggles and glory. Let us continue to endure the struggles even as await the day of glory at the second advent of our Lord Jesus Christ. Shalom.

PRAYER

May the Holy Spirit empower us in our struggles so that we may attain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.