Colossians 1:28-29
28 We proclaim him, warning and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone mature in Christ. 29 I labor for this, striving with his strength that works powerfully in me.
This is who Paul proclaims. The Christ he describes in Colossians 1. He proclaims the all-mighty King Jesus and with that proclamation comes warning. Anytime someone begins to speak of Jesus, a word of warning is accompanied even if it is not outright spoken.
You can say “God,” but don’t say “Jesus.” This is the stance many event coordinators take as they are asking someone to begin their event with a prayer. “God” is general enough that the word, the title of the Almighty, is unoffensive for most people. But when things begin to get specific and Jesus’ name is announced, then many more are offended.
There’s just something about His name that is offensive. Maybe it’s because people associate Jesus’ name with the many crazies who claim to follow Him. You know, the people who wouldn’t know what love looked like if love smacked them in the head (in love, of course). But I believe it’s deeper than that.
Jesus, the Christ (which is interchangeable with the King) was full of grace and He was full of truth. His claims were either of a madman, a liar, or the Messiah. He claimed to be the Son of Man (read Daniel 7:13-14), the one who would reign and rule over an everlasting, never-ending kingdom. He claimed to be the Son of God, a common term for a king. He healed people from sickness and disease. He bossed around demons—and they listened! He identified Himself as one with God. Yes, He claimed to be God. And He even claimed to be able to forgive sins.
That’s a lot of claims.
But what if He was telling the truth?
Then the proclamation of His name must include warning. He is the Almighty. Bow to Him. If you don’t, you’ll be stuck in your sins and separated from the God He came to reconcile you to—Himself.
The proclamation of Jesus includes warning and teaching. We must explain why Jesus was more than a wise sage who got killed. We must explain and teach people what Jesus did and who He claimed to be.
Why?
So that we may be mature in Him as He is in us.
This was Paul’s work. This was His mission.
As we close Colossians 1 and head into Colossians 2, take some time and re-read Colossians 1.
What sticks out now that we’ve walked through it together? I’d love to hear your answer.
Onward, saints.
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