Christ’s body, the church
Day 636, Saturday, May 9
Colossians 1:24 – 2:15
Paul suffers in his body for his teaching. He rejoices in that, though, because it benefits Christ’s body, the church. “Now I rejoice in what I am suffering for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church.”
This isn’t the only place in scripture that we see the church described as Christ’s body. We get insight into what it means, though, in 2:9-10. “For in Christ all the fullness of Deity lives in bodily form, and in Christ you have been brought into fullness.” In other words, the fullness of God lives in Christ, and the fullness of Christ lives in us (the church). The conclusion to draw from this is that the fullness of God lives in us.
To be the body of Christ is to do the work of Christ. “He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me.”
“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.”

-Rev. Mark Fleming

Saturday meditation

Psalms 119:81-88
My soul faints with longing for your salvation, but I have put my hope in your word. My eyes fail, looking for your promise; I say, “When will you comfort me?” Though I am like a wineskin in the smoke, I do not forget your decrees. How long must your servant wait? When will you punish my persecutors? The arrogant dig pits to trap me, contrary to your law. All your commands are trustworthy; help me, for I am being persecuted without cause. They almost wiped me from the earth, but I have not forsaken your precepts. In your unfailing love preserve my life, that I may obey the statutes of your mouth.

Prayer focus
May we be your body on earth, doing your work.