Go in , but not alone.
I had a great start to last week, doing some of the things that make me feel God’s joy.
Sunday evening a few of us sat in the outside entrance of the high school and prayed for teachers, staff, students and, in between prayers, we sang to Jesus. We prayed for our country and for the victims of flood—no prayer or praise was left out.
Monday evening our church had an open meeting for all people who want to lead in any way in The Redeemer’s Church. The fellowship was strong. The food was good. Some good ideas were shared, but the guest of honor, Holy Spirit of God spoke to many hearts that evening about His direction for the church.
Tuesday evening one of the elders and I went to visit a family with a serious need. We took communion with us. We listened thoroughly to them. We read scriptures that glorify Jesus. We prayed. We listened some more. We anointed people and doors with oil. We shared communion. It was a love fest. If we weren’t successful in accomplishing our intended mission, I know that we accomplished the Lord’s mission. Jesus said: “This is my command: that you love another.”
Wednesday at youth group we took extra time hanging out and playing games, because it seemed like we needed it. Students were there who had never been before. When I shared the gospel, there was grace for people to be able to listen and good discussion with students, so they could talk about the Bible and not just hear about it. Lots of people were bringing leadership. I don’t think anyone was left out—even the couple students who came near the end at 8 o’clock.
Thursday after dinner I asked my wife, Jenny, to go with me and take stickers to one of our members who was having a yard sale. We decided to get her a milkshake because she loves ice cream. When we got to her house she was in bed, but she got up. We sat out in her driveway. She asked me to pray for us. She asked Jenny to pray for us. Jenny prayed with tears. Then she said, “Jenny, would you like for me to pray for us?” Jenny said yes. Then we just talked. Our friend told a story of a very hard time in her life, and she cried. After about an hour we said we had to go for Bible study. Our friend decided to come with us, and she had a great time. I am so happy these are some of the stories that describe my weeks and my life.
I didn’t do any of these things alone. I’ve been co-laboring with Jesus for many years now, and I’ve been co-laboring with some great brothers and sisters too. I don’t know if you are co-laboring with Jesus, but you can. If you are a Christian, you are a son or daughter of God, and God is entrusting His will to you: he’s given His Spirit to you, and wants you to work in His kingdom, but not all alone.
In Colossians 4, starting in verse 7, Paul writes greetings from his co-laborers in faith. His friends encourage , make friends for Jesus, wrestle in prayer, serve alongside, comfort him, and remind people of the mission God put them on. If you are laboring with Christ Jesus, you need all those kinds of people and maybe other kinds too.
Maybe you are not co-laboring with Jesus. You can. If you’ve just been building your own kingdom, he will still accept you if you’ll trade it for His kingdom. If you used to labor with the Lord, but you took yourself off the field by not following the leader, you can come back and labor with Him. If you were laboring, but everyone else who was supposed to support you, crushed you, that wasn’t Jesus, and He will welcome you back to work in his field with him.
No one needs to sit and watch what God is doing. For his glory He has chosen to include you and me in His plan to save the world through Jesus Christ. If you could go back in time and be the fifth Beetle, wouldn’t you? If you could be the water boy for Muhammad Ali, wouldn’t you? You don’t have to go back in time to share in the labors of Jesus for a broken world. Won’t you?
If you’re not laboring with Jesus, but you’re a Christian, ask Him what He wants for you and from you. If you want to apply the teaching from Colossians 4:7-18, use these questions from a handout I made for Sunday morning at The Redeemer’s Church.
What has He called you to do?
If you’re not co-laboring with Jesus, you can. Take some time and ask Holy Spirit what your role is in The Church, in this church, in His kingdom.
Who are your co-laborers?
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Who has your heart? Verse 7
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Who is faithfully serving with you? Verse 7
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Who is your encourager? Verse 8
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Who is your inside connection in your work with the Lord? Verse 9
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Who makes more friends for you? Verse 10
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Who makes you feel relaxed and comfortable? Verse 11
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Who is wrestling for you in prayer? Verse 12
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Who is working hard for you and with you? Verse 13
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Who is reminding you to follow through on what God has put on your heart to do? Verse 17
