Christ In You the Hope of Glory

Today’s Bible Reading:  1 Kings 16; 2 Chronicles 15; Colossians 1

Journal Entry on a passage from today’s reading:

Topic: Hope

SCRIPTURE:  Colossians 1:24-27

²⁴ I want you to know how glad I am that it's me sitting here in this jail and not you. There's a lot of suffering to be entered into in this world — the kind of suffering Christ takes on. I welcome the chance to take my share in the church's part of that suffering. ²⁵ When I became a servant in this church, I experienced this suffering as a sheer gift, God's way of helping me serve you, laying out the whole truth, ²⁶ the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the saints. ²⁷ To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. (Col 1:24-25 MSG; Col 1:26-27 NIV).

OBSERVATION:

The Apostle Paul refers to the truth of the Gospel of Christ as a mystery that has been revealed. He used this same literary imagery in his epistle to the Ephesians (see June 7 journal entry, “A Mystery Revealed”). Paul says that this mystery, “that has been hidden for ages and generations,” is now made known for all people of the earth to see. When Paul says this Gospel is for “Jews AND Gentiles, that means Christ is not just for Jewish people but all other people in the world who are not Jewish—everyone!). And the simple message—the hidden truth that is now revealed—is this: “Christ in you, the hope of glory.” Regardless of your background, nationality, ethnicity, or religious standing, when you accept and receive Christ, He dwells within you. Therefore, your hope is that you may look forward to sharing in God’s glory.

APPLICATION:

It needs to be understood that the word “hope” should not be confused as a wish or as something that is uncertain. As we often use the word in English, it tends to denote something that is a desired or preferred outcome that one would like but can’t be certain of. The Greek word translated here as hope is elpis – an expectation confidently anticipated. Hope is a known, solid truth that is present in God even if yet in our future.  

PRAYER:

God, thank You for the certainty of our expectation of sharing in Your glories. Thank You for the certainty of heavenly eternal life that you offer through Christ. Amen.  -AP