"At the same time, pray also for us that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison--that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak."
Colossians 4:3-4(ESV)
We sure need a clear gospel if it is to have a chance to transform people and society. Paul is asking the believers to join the transformation project instituted by God. Since the fall of mankind in the Garden of Eden, God has been moving history toward the day when he would redeem it by his Son. That day has come and the redemption is available for those who will believe. Now the task is to tell the story of the word of God and give it the chance to invade like leaven through the lump of the world's societies.
Praying and preaching go together. Preaching without praying turns into oratory. Praying without preaching turns into mysticism.
But what specifically was Paul asking them to pray for? First, it was for an open door of opportunity for the gospel. Then it was for clarity of the message. A scaled down version of the gospel doesn't change anything. A gospel molded to fit the culture's values is of no value. A message highly marketed might draw crowds, but if it doesn't change people at their core and confront culture in its delusion, it is like a sounding brass and a tinkling bell. We are inundated with messages from pulpits, podiums, TV sets and pod casts. Do we see the changes that the New Testament gospel produced? Have we pandered to the idea that God primarily wants us to be wealthy and healthy? Are we preaching to attract larger crowds to our ministries?
We certainly need the saints to pray for those who proclaim the gospel. It must be pure if it is to be powerful. Personalities and personal agendas must be servant to the clear presentation of the mystery of Christ. Pet doctrines and personal peeves are not worthy of prayer or preaching. Christ died. He was raised. He alone deserves the attention. Faith in him alone will change the core of a person. That change is so radical, the person will become an agent of change. He or she will not be able to stomach the religious substitutes that allow injustices to continue without check. Changed people make change.
Pray that the message being proclaimed will be clear and pure.
SYNERGY - Better Together: October 01, 2010 click for more > Five Pillars of New Testament Discipleship: : October 15, 2010 click for more > Family Reunion Retreat: December 03, 2010 click for more >
