HE IN ME, I IN HIM (Wednesday)

Jul 20, 2022
2 min read

Colossians 1:24-29

I now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up in my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ, for the sake of his body, which is the church, of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God which was given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God, the mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations, but now has been revealed to his saints. To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. To this end I also labor, striving according to his working which works in me mightily.

To rejoice in blessings is one thing, but to rejoice in my sufferings is entirely different. To rejoice in my sufferings, I fill up in my flesh all the things that are lacking in the afflictions of Christ. I become an offering—sacrificing all I have for the calling of Christ, to fulfil the Word of God.

The Word of God is a mystery, once hidden, but now revealed to His saints. Through His Word, God makes known the riches of the glory of this mystery. This mystery is now revealed: it is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

THINK ABOUT THESE THINGS

If Jesus Christ is in me, then He and I are one. This is the reason for which He came to earth to die for me. The riches of His glory is having Him beyond compare: to be one with Jesus, I in Him and He in me.

With Christ in me, I become all the things He promised: forgiven, loved, and eternal. Through Him, my labor is His labor, and my works are His works. This also is true for He in me: He gives me His thoughts; He shows me His ways.

When I speak, it is as though I’m speaking with His words. When I serve, it is me serving with His hands. No one can fathom how much joy He brings when each of His children acknowledge He in them and they in Him.

What I know clearly is that Jesus suffered and died for me, so I now rejoice in my sufferings. He also rose again: so, whenever I suffer, I also know that through His resurrection I have been promised eternal blessings.

Lord, thank You for dying on the cross for me. Through Your death, I rejoice in my sufferings. Through Your rising again, I experience new life in You. You are now in me and me in You. Thank You, Lord! Amen.

May you be blessed,

Chaplain Wayne Ruckman