Read: Colossians 1:10-14
He has delivered us from the domain of darkness. (v. 13)
“Well, when you put it that way . . . ” We have all used this common little expression. Maybe you are tempted to skip a program involving your niece at her school some afternoon. “It’s not that big a deal,” you say to your spouse. “It’s like a 20-minute program.” “Well, OK,” your spouse may reply, “if you don’t mind breaking a little girl’s heart, then that’s fine.” “Well, when you put it that way . . . ” you say as you reach for your coat and car keys!
Paul wished that his beloved friends would be patient and fruitful. He knew it was tough to be a Christian in those days when persecution was common. So he prayed for endurance, for strength. He prayed that despite the obstacles, their faith would bear good fruit. That was what he prayed for the Colossians.
But then Paul reminded them why this was important: because they were children of the light. Because in Jesus, God had taken them out of a realm of dreadful, spiritual darkness and had transferred them into a new realm of light and life. “That is what God has done for you!” Paul proclaimed. “And that is why you need to bear fruit.”
Well, Paul, when you put it that way, then our motivation to live God-glorifying lives is pretty obvious! That’s no small thing God did for us. Bearing fruit for God is the least we can do in return! —Scott Hoezee
As you pray, thank God for his salvation and pray for the Spirit to grow fruit in your life.
About the Author
Scott Hoezee is an ordained pastor in the Christian Reformed Church of North America. He served two Michigan congregations from 1990-2005 and since 2005 has been a faculty member at Calvin Theological Seminary in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he serves chiefly as the Director of The Center for Excellence in Preaching. He is the author of several books, including most recently Why We Listen to Sermons (Calvin Press 2019) and is the co-host of the “Groundwork” radio program.
