A Call to Discipleship: Reflections from Colossians

January 6th

Epiphany

I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.

Colossians 4: 18

Today is the day! The journey to Epiphany ends with us reflecting on the travels of three wise men, three Gentile kings changed by the miraculous appearance of a glorious bright star. By faith these three kings walked mile after mile to witness for themselves God made flesh, a baby in a lowly manger. Today we remember God’s redemptive plan for humanity, the plan to redeem all the world, both Jew and Gentile, male and female, slave and free. And today, as we end our journey together, we consider our own response to the birth of Immanuel, God with us.

When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid homage.

Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

Matthew 2:10-11

The magi brought their gifts and lives before the newborn King. Are we willing to bring our gifts and lives too? Are we willing to open our hearts to His transforming love? Our church has prayerfully discerned our calling in this area. Our church seeks to live into the call of discipleship. Recently First Presbyterian Church articulated this call by defining discipleship in the following way:

Our intentional response to Jesus’ invitation to “Come, follow me.”

Growing our relationship with Jesus (Loving God)

Joining Jesus on His mission (Loving People)

So that… We become Jesus followers who make Jesus followers.

Are you willing to join us in this call, this call to grow in our relationship with Jesus and join Jesus on His mission… the call to be Jesus followers who make Jesus followers?

At the end of every worship service, Joel lifts his hands up and delivers a benediction. These words send the congregation out into the world, to love Him and to serve others. This sending requires a response from the congregation, a response of us following Jesus into love and service.

Paul ends his letter in benediction. The letter to the Colossians was likely written by a scribe and these last words act as Paul’s signature. He tells us to remember his chains, remember to count the cost, remember the call to live sacrificially, remember to walk in the Spirit.

So, as we end this journey together, let us receive the benediction, the sending of God’s people into the world. And please know, my heart overflows with gratitude for each of you. May grace be with you, my friends!

Now to Him who by His Spirit brings good fruit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Be thanks and praise forever and ever amen.