Tuesday, July 15, 2025  

Today's Scripture
Colossians 1:15–28

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation; 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. He himself is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 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. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 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.

And you who were once estranged and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, he has now reconciled in his fleshly body through death, so as to present you holy and blameless and irreproachable before him — 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 servant of this gospel.

I am now rejoicing in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am completing what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church. I became its servant according to God’s commission that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known, the mystery that has been hidden throughout the ages and generations but has now been revealed to his saints. To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. It is he whom we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone in all wisdom, so that we may present everyone mature in Christ. (NRSV)

Reflection

When I read Paul’s letter to the church in Colossae, I remember that he, and other New Testament writers, were sending theological treatises in the guise of letters. Perhaps I should call them speeches, because it was the custom that a community member would read these letters aloud in a worship setting so that all could learn from the teachings of Paul, Timothy, Peter, and other traveling evangelists.

I confess that I struggle to read Paul; I twist and turn to stick with the circles of his argument, reading it multiple times before I can articulate his meaning. I find it helps to put myself in Paul’s shoes — to allow his passion to become mine. I picture him, or perhaps one of his emissaries, proclaiming these words to a gathered community of believers. Only then do I realize that what sounds like theology is a kind of prayer — or at least the fruits of Paul’s conversations with God — and suddenly I hear the awe in Paul’s voice as the mysteries of our faith are revealed to him.

I invite you to join in praying Paul’s words — aloud, if possible — or (if you’re on the bus right now or in a place where you’d feel conspicuous), to yourself. May his love for God become ours.

Prayer

Holy Creator, you revealed to us the mystery that has been hidden throughout the ages and generations. We don’t understand it, but we realize the richness of this mystery, that Christ in you is the hope of glory.

Beloved Jesus, you are the beginning — the firstborn of all creation — and in you, we were created.

Gentle Spirit, help us to proclaim Christ’s truth, teaching everyone in all wisdom, and learning in all humility.

Thank you, God. Amen.

Written by Amy Pagliarella, Parish Associate for Caring Ministries

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

Devotion index by date | I’d like to receive daily devotions by email