Transformation - Day 21

"Tychicus will give you a full report about how I am getting along. He is a beloved brother and faithful helper who serves with me in the Lord’s work. I have sent him to you for this very purpose—to let you know how we are doing and to encourage you. I am also sending Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, one of your own people. He and Tychicus will tell you everything that’s happening here.

Aristarchus, who is in prison with me, sends you his greetings, and so does Mark, Barnabas’s cousin. As you were instructed before, make Mark welcome if he comes your way. Jesus (the one we call Justus) also sends his greetings. These are the only Jewish believers among my co-workers; they are working with me here for the Kingdom of God. And what a comfort they have been!

Epaphras, a member of your own fellowship and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends you his greetings. He always prays earnestly for you, asking God to make you strong and perfect, fully confident that you are following the whole will of God. I can assure you that he prays hard for you and also for the believers in Laodicea and Hierapolis.

Luke, the beloved doctor, sends his greetings, and so does Demas. Please give my greetings to our brothers and sisters at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church that meets in her house.

After you have read this letter, pass it on to the church at Laodicea so they can read it, too. And you should read the letter I wrote to them.

And say to Archippus, “Be sure to carry out the ministry the Lord gave you.”

HERE IS MY GREETING IN MY OWN HANDWRITING—PAUL.

Remember my chains.

May God’s grace be with you." - Colossians 4:7-18

It would be easy to gloss over Paul's closing words as he signs off on his letter, but there are treasures here.  For some reason, as I read through Paul's list of colleagues, I am struck by the great support he has in carrying out his mission and ministry.  Some of the names are recognizable - Luke, Epahras, Mark, barnabus.  Some are names only here.  All names written in the Lamb's Book of Life.  I am also truck by the list of Greek names.  Saul, now Paul early identified himself as Jew among Jews.  Now his identity is "apostle of Jesus Christ" - a mission that called him to expand his world, his food, his culture and out of this faithful call, the rich blessings that followed.

At the end, Paul writes, "Remember my chains."  I don't think Paul was feeling sorry for himself and was digging up sympathy.  I am pretty sure from other places that Paul shared of his transformation, that he wouldn't trade his new life in Christ for anything in his former life.  It flows from the supremacy of Christ - the essence of this whole letter.

Why would you settle for the world, when you can have the Pearl of great price?  the Treasure found in a field?

We have much to learn from Paul.  I hope this 21 day series has blessed you and called you to greater love for Christ.