Wednesday December 4, 2013
Colossians 1:9-14

The Gospel of Luke (1:26-38) describes a scene that changed Mary’s life forever and set the stage for the most remarkable event in all of human history. The angel Gabriel came to speak with Mary. He told her that she would give birth to a son. “He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High.” Mary wondered out loud how this could be. But Gabriel assured her that “nothing is impossible with God.”

That conversation marks another stopping point on our journey of waiting. Our ability to ponder the impact and reflect on the outcome will make all the difference in our understanding of the birth and life of Jesus. Ultimately, we know that the life and teaching of Jesus would transform the innermost workings of economic powers, political systems, and family homes.

Then, one remarkable day in the upper room (John 14:11-12) Jesus spoke to his followers and invited them to believe in the evidence of the miracles that surrounded his life. Then he made a profound statement. “I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing.” Could it be that our waiting and wondering along with our reflecting and remembering is really intended to expand our ministry possibilities to unbelievable potential?

Let’s shift back to our text in Colossians where we are invited to be filled with wisdom and knowledge. It is a spiritual filling with an outcome that is really amazing; “so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work…”

The sequence is worth a few minutes of reflection. First, Jesus is miraculously conceived and the declaration of his greatness is foretold. Then, Jesus looks to his followers to do the same things that he has been doing with his life. Finally, we (as individual believers) are called to please God by bearing fruit in every good work.

I am grateful for Gabriel’s message. I continue to seek a deeper understanding of what it means to do the things Jesus did. But I am convinced that our season of Advent will point us toward the things that are pleasing and fruitful in the Kingdom of God.

How will you “bear fruit” during this holiday season?

Memory Verse For This Week:

“The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.”
-Colossians 1:15

Missional Prayer Focus For Today:
Please pray for the mission ministry of Praying Hands Ranch as they reach out to our disabled community with healing horseback ministries. Pray for bodies that become stronger, lives that are blessed, and spirits that are encouraged.