Colossians 1:24-29
Suffering in the service of Christ may sometimes be unavoidable, but Paul gives us a high standard. He was able to rejoice in suffering which furthered the body of Christ, the church. Much of the Gospel message was not clearly understood (it was a mystery) until Jesus came. Now that Christ has come, has died on the cross, has risen from the dead and returned to heaven, the mystery is revealed. The riches and glory of Christ are for all believers--Jews and Gentiles alike. The Colossians were Gentiles. "And this is the secret: Christ lives in you. This gives you assurance of sharing his glory." v. 27. Think of that! Christ lives within us. This knowledge should make a difference in our lives in every way--how we think and how we act! He is a friend who will never disappoint us, who is always with us, who knows us better than anyone else, and loves us perfectly. Add to all that the promise of eternity with Him, and we should be a joyful and thankful people indeed!
The word "perfect" in v. 28 means "complete" or "mature." We know we will never be "perfect" in the sense of sinless in this life, but we can strive to become mature in our relationship to Christ. And this maturity does not come through our own strength or effort. After all, His mighty power works within us.
Psalm 89:19-52
God has promised that David and his descendants would reign forever. This promise was fulfilled in Jesus, and He will indeed reign forever and ever.
vv. 30ff warn Israel that if they forsake God, He will punish them, but He will not stop loving them nor will He fail to keep His promises to them. God cannot lie! This psalm was apparently written at very low point for God's people, but the psalmist is still able to end with praising the Lord. "Praise the Lord forever! Amen and amen!"
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