September 30: The Commission of the Call

The NIV translation of Chamber's selected verse (Colossians 1:24): "Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ's afflictions."

This verse is one of the most perplexing in the whole Bible, causing me to spend hours trying to figure out just what it means. Every time I run across it, there seems to be another layer of meaning. I think the redundant passage in 2 Corinthians 1:3-11 sheds a lot of light on the subject. http://bible.gospelcom.net/passage/?search=2%20Corinthians%201:%203-11;&version=31;

How perfectly Chamber's commentary fits into this. Boy, do I EVER resent being crushed by some types of circumstances. Perhaps I never realized just how much I want to "choose the scene of my own martyrdom."

Dear Jesus, in light of this devotion's powerful admonitions, I feel so foolish. Please help us all mature to the point where we are not only willing to be crushed by any set of circumstances that You think best, but that we will also become the sweetest of wines to comfort Your other children. Remind us constantly that we have not yet gone to heaven because You want to use us to make this world a better place. Thank You for not losing patience with us and our sinful arrogance. Do whatever it takes to make us of benefit to Your people.