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That Seems Odd

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24  Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church, 25  of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known, Colossians 1:24-26

Does anything seem odd about the verses you just read? You did read them didn’t you? Two things stand out to me. First, Paul rejoices in his sufferings.  To us this seems odd.  Most Christians throughout the world, however, get this. See the article from last week.  Just once I’d love to see a Christian endure suffering for the gospel, painful or difficult and go on U.S. TV and instead of gaining a bunch of glory talking about how hard it was or about all the books they plan to write, say instead “You know, Jesus said there would be days like this.  What’s the big deal? This is normal.” 

The second thing that actually startles me is that he says “in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions.”  Filling up what is lacking? That part ought to pique our interest. What is Paul talking about?  Is there anything lacking in Christ’s afflictions? If I am understanding this gospel thing correctly, is there anything at all lacking in Christ’s payment for our sins? Is Christ’s death sufficient?  Is Christ’s death enough? My hope is that you agree that Christ’s death and resurrection is sufficient to cover all of our sin and reconcile us to God if we trust his sacrifice. If not we have no salvation. That is at the heart of Christianity.

What then is he talking about?  If we believe that the Bible clearly says that only Christ’s work on the cross is enough for our salvation (Rom 6:10, Heb 9:12,26), then what is lacking as far as Christ’s afflictions go?  As the hymn rightly affirms “Jesus paid it all…sin had left a crimson stain. He washed it white as snow.” Let’s ask this another way. What was it that Jesus did not do that he left to his disciples to do? What is left to be done that would involve suffering and affliction for his disciples?

The good news of Christ’s death and resurrection and the reconciliation to God that it brings is a worldwide gospel message.  The news of Christ’s finished work had not and has not spread everywhere yet.  The message of Jesus’ atoning work is supposed to be global and worldwide.  The good news hasn’t been fully proclaimed in all of the world.  What is lacking is that the reality of this gospel is not known to the whole world. This job was left to the disciples of Jesus. This is what was left unaccomplished by Jesus.  He accomplished redemption. Now the whole world needs to hear about it.  Even if we would suffer in proclaiming that unpopular yet life changing message, the afflictions are worth it for our Savior.  We have, by God’s grace, a part in bringing God’s saving plan to completion by our proclaiming and suffering for taking the gospel message to the whole world.

The other side of the coin, l think, is what Paul says here is his stewardship from God as a servant of the gospel, “to make the Word of God fully known.”  This is also part of his (and our) filling up (bringing to completion) the afflictions of Christ.  Paul sees that to be a servant of the gospel means being a servant to the Word of God.  There is much freight that comes along with the gospel, all of the Scriptures in fact that need explained, clarified and unpacked in light of who Christ is and what he has accomplished.  In our time of such rampant biblical illiteracy, how much more does the word of God need to be made fully known.

So here is my hope for you, that you are in a place often where the word of God is continuing to be made fully known by a servant of Christ and his Word, like Paul.  My hope is that you become more and more that kind of person in your own spheres of influence as worldwide or local as they may be.  May you become a person who endures the sufferings and afflictions that come with proclaiming the good news of Jesus to your friends and family. May God make you into a person who because of your trust in Jesus’ work for you, commits to helping others know the Word of God more fully.  Know that I am praying that God strengthens you for that task. 

In Christ, My Only Hope, Pastor Steven


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