DT – 5/14 – Colossians 4:12-13 – Epaphras

Reflect on the words “wrestling in prayer for you.”  Have I ever known this level of intensity in my prayer life?  When I think of wrestling in prayer I think of a great struggle against a power that is stronger than me.  When I think of wresting in prayer I think of anguish, and I think of fatigue because of its strenuous efforts.  When I think of wrestling in prayer, I think of perseverance through the tug-o-war between hope and hopelessness. 

Think about the sort of person Epaphras was to the churches and to Apostle Paul.  What was it about him that made Apostle Paul say “I vouch for him?”  How does this compare with what sort of person I strive to be?Paul could vouch for Epaphras because: 1) He was one of them, meaning he was a part of their community.  Being one of them means sharing a common faith.  2) A servant of Christ Jesus.  This means that he has no personal business of his own.  His own interest is the interest of Jesus Christ.  3) He wrestles in pray for others.  This means that he is keenly aware of the issues of the people around him. He understood the stakes that were involved, he understood what he was up against, and he understood that he had to rely on God and not on himself. And 4) he is working hard.  That means he is seen doing hard work more than he is resting.  It also means that he’s taking more and more work.  And there’s a willing, not begrudging attitude when he does his work.

Tags: Colossians

~ by williamkang on May 14, 2009.