Day 5
Start with Posture of Silence and Solitude (2 minutes)
Read Scripture: Colossians 1:15-23
The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.
Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation— if you continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.
Devotional:
While Paul was imprisoned in Rome, he heard that the church in Colosse was struggling with different interpretations of the teachings. He penned this letter to the people to ground them in their faith. These verses state a number of the teachings he was addressing. But the foundation of the message he gave was to continue to hope when all around you is shaking. It was a great metaphor because the city of Colosse was located in an earthquake area, so they understood the meaning. There were false teachers who wanted to shift their foundation but Paul directed them back to Jesus every time.
Question to Ponder:
We have been given a living hope that even when the foundation shakes, we can trust that Jesus is for us. How are you hopeful today?
Prayer:
God. You are not only the Giver of Life, but the Sustainer. In you, everything is held together, protected and prevented from disintegrating into chaos. We are dependent on you for life, for breath and for continued hope in the things to come. Help my unbelief. Help me to trust you with everything. Amen.
End with Posture of Silence and Solitude (2 minutes)