Paul says, “I now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up in my flesh WHAT IS LACKING in the afflictions of Christ, for the sake of His body, which is the church, of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God, WHICH WAS GIVEN TO ME FOR YOU, to fulfill the word of God, THE MYSTERY which has been hidden from ages and from generations, but now has been revealed to His saints. To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of THIS MYSTERY among the Gentiles: WHICH IS CHRIST IN YOU, the hope of glory.” (Colossians 1:24-27)
Paul is not saying that there was anything lacking IN THE SUFFERINGS THAT CHRIST ENDURED to atone for the sins of the world. Rather, Paul is saying that HIS (Paul’s) SUFFERING FOR CHRIST’S SAKE WAS STILL LACKING. Although he had suffered much affliction, Paul WAS NOT YET CONFORMED TO THE SAVIOR in his sufferings. Paul saw a connection with the Lord who had suffered so much for Him. In Galatians 6:17 he writes, “I bear on my body the marks of Jesus.” Paul says, “I never want to brag about anything except THE CROSS of our Lord Jesus Christ. Through that cross the ways of the world HAVE BEEN CRUCIFIED AS FAR AS I AM CONCERNED. And I HAVE BEEN CRUCIFIED as far as the ways of the world are concerned.” (Galatians 6:14) Paul’s afflictions were no surprise to him. When Paul was commissioned by the Lord for his task, Jesus said, “I will show him how much HE MUST SUFFER for my name” (Acts 9:16).
Paul saw his suffering as HELPING CONFORM HIM INTO THE IMAGE OF CHRIST. We, too, can view our trials and afflictions as a means to MAKE US MORE LIKE JESUS, “…we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose…those who God foreknew He also predestined to be CONFORMED TO THE IMAGE OF HIS SON” (Romans 8:28-29). “After you have suffered a little while, our God, who is full of kindness through Christ, WILL GIVE YOU HIS ETERNAL GLORY. He personally will come and PICK YOU UP, AND SET YOU FIRMLY IN PLACE, AND MAKE YOU STRONGER THAN EVER.” (1 Peter 5:10)
THERE MAY BE THINGS IN US THAT JESUS IS NOT PLEASED WITH, HIS DESIRE IS THAT WE WILL SPEND ETERNITY WITH HIM, SO HE MAY NEED TO CORRECT SOME AREAS OF OUR LIVES…
Your Personal Pastor -Bill Stockham