The Great Mystery Unveiled
Elaine Poproski Download: Audio
Sunday Scripture Reading: Colossians 1:24-29 (NRSV)
24 I am now rejoicing in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am completing what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church. Read more…
Looking to Sunday: Preparing to Hear From God
by Elaine Poproski
This week we continue our journey through Colossians by focusing on Colossians 1:24-29. In these verses we read some strange things like Paul’s statement that he is rejoicing in his sufferings and that he is completing what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions. What might this mean? Is he really suggesting that something was missing in Jesus’ suffering and death? Is Paul really happy that he’s suffering? Is he a masochist?
As you prepare for Sunday, I invite you to read this passage and underline or highlight or make note of the questions it raises for you.
And then read it in a few different translations if you can and see if there are differences in word choices that shed some light on your questions. Or do the alternate translations raise more questions?
One of the most helpful things I think we can do when we read Scripture is to allow it to cause us to ask questions. Maybe they’re questions about the content of the passage itself. Or maybe they’re questions about how the words apply to our lives or to our world. Regardless, I believe questions are a good thing because they invite us to listen and learn from God in a way we can’t if we assume we already know the answers. So, as you prepare for Sunday, read Colossians 1:24-29 in a few different translations and ask at least one question of the text, listening to hear God’s answer to that question and thus allowing God to grow your understanding of Him, of yourself, and/or of the world we live in.