Scripture: Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
Observation: In the previous verse, we are to devote ourselves to prayer—broadly, fervently, full of gratitude and with an eye out for opportunities to petition the Lord.
Now Paul leans on that general instruction, with a specific request that they pray for him and his companions that a door may open for proclaiming Christ. A couple things come to mind as I try to read this verse closely.
First, Paul is laser-focused on advancing his mission—proclaiming “the mystery of Christ” (remember 1:24-2:5). But he is keenly aware that he must go where God is leading. He doesn’t want to strike out on his own; he wants to join in where God is already moving somehow. He knows what to do—proclaim Christ. He’s looking for help discerning where to do it and for that he needs the Colossians’ prayers.
Second, Paul mentions his chains, meaning his imprisonment. So, perhaps he’d like prayers for God to open a door for his imprisonment to end so he can get back to advancing the gospel across the Roman world. We know from some of Paul’s other letters that was something on his mind. In that case, God opening a door would represent removing an obstacle so he can continue his gospel mission.
On the other hand, what if Paul meant that he wanted an “open door” within his imprisonment, an opportunity to preach the gospel to his captors or fellow prisoners? In that case, God opening a door would represent providing an opportunity for gospel work in the place where he found himself, regardless of his circumstance.
So, which was it? “God, change my circumstance so I can further my work for you.” Or, “God, show me where I can further my work for you within my circumstance.”
Hard to say for Paul here. But for me, this verse is a helpful reminder that God isn’t locked into one or the other. He may just as truly lead in either direction—within my circumstances or to change my circumstances. Regardless, the calling to serve Christ is the same.
Application:
How can I serve my calling as a disciple of Jesus both within tough circumstances or beyond those circumstances?
What else might the Holy Spirit be speaking with you about in the text today?
Prayer: Lord, open doors in my life to serve you more, and help me recognize the way you are opening doors, whether through a roadblock removed or an unexpected opportunity provided. Amen.
“But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.” (Matthew 13:23)
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Many times (most times) we/I am oblivious to opportunities to spread the message of Christ. I need to be more focused or alert to “everyday” opportunities. It could be as simple as a causal conversation with someone in the grocery store or other frequently visited businesses. There is always a way to subtly interject a casual invitation to our church or an event at church. It could be a discussion about Easter plans, about Vacation Bible School, Pumpkin Patch, Wednesday Youth Group or a special Bible Study. I need to be better about rounding up and bringing in......