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15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation, 16 for in him all things in heaven and on earth were created, things visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or powers—all things have been created through him and for him. 17 He himself is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 He is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that he might come to have first place in everything. 19 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 20 and through him God was pleased to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, by making peace through the blood of his cross.

21 And you who were once estranged and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, 22 he has now reconciled in his fleshly body through death, so as to present you holy and blameless and irreproachable before him, 23 provided that you continue securely established and steadfast in the faith, without shifting from the hope promised by the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven. I, Paul, became a minister of this gospel.

 

Paul finishes this beautiful depiction of the divinity and humanity of Christ with the words “I became a minister of this gospel. The Greek word used here for minister is diakonos. This word can be and is translated several ways in the New Testament: minister, preacher, servant, attendant, devoted follower, and deacon. I think you can and should use all of these to fully understand the nature of how Paul is depicting his relationship with the Good News, which he brilliantly outlines in this brief passage.

 

Through Christ alone are we pulled out of our “estranged and hostile” nature and reconciled to God completely. In our faith-filled journey towards God’s Kingdome with Jesus serving as our lead and the Holy Spirit as our companion, we must wrap ourselves in the gospel message. We need to read it for ourselves and listen to it being proclaimed. Out of that life-giving message, we are called to serve others as our Redeemer served those around Him. Through these things, we proclaim the glory of God throughout creation. Use words if you must, but actions will do just fine. Paul understood these things. I am working on it. For I too seek to be a minister of this gospel in my life.

 

Gracious Lord of my life, let me hear your Word in such a way that I can live it out in my life. Amen.

 

Chad Ryberg

Cryberg@livinglord.org

 

Prayer Concern: For those who work to prepare the land for planting.