²⁴ I am glad when I suffer for you in my body, for I am participating in the sufferings of Christ that continue for his body, the church. ²⁵ God has given me the responsibility of serving his church by proclaiming his entire message to you. ²⁶ This message was kept secret for centuries and generations past, but now it has been revealed to God’s people. ²⁷ For God wanted them to know that the riches and glory of Christ are for you Gentiles, too. And this is the secret: Christ lives in you. This gives you assurance of sharing his glory.

Colossians 1:24-26

Dear God, I was given an amazing blessing yesterday. A family came and asked me to officiate their mother’s funeral. I didn’t have a close relationship with the family, but the interactions I had with their mother were meaningful, to her and to me. On a basic level, she was a donor for our nonprofit. But I could tell that our work really meant something to her. And the really sweet thing is that she and her sister-in-law, each of whom had married brothers so were only connected through the men they married, expressed so much love for each other through donations they would make to our clinic in each other’s honor. I loved being part of their relationship with each other in that way.

I mention all of this because I cried when I told my wife about it because they said something that really struck me. They said they were praying about who to get to speak at the funeral and they felt like you gave them my name. Even now, as I type this, tears come to my eyes on this. The idea that you are there, you know me, and you wanted me for this is awesome. Amazing. AMAZING! I sit here day after day, and I believe you are here. I pray to you. I read about you. I hear others talk about you and seek out sermons and podcasts that might teach me something about you. I talk with friends and my wife about you. I write about you. But sometimes it can feel more like a philosophy I’m following more than the actual God of the universe. But then I have a moment like that where a family tells me you gave them my name and…well, it brings me to tears. You really do know me.

I guess all of this relates to this passage because I am one of those Gentiles you are living in. Father, Jesus, and Holy Spirit, I am humbled and amazed. I am grateful. I need you living in me. And not for my fire insurance. The truth is, at this point, I would follow you to hell if it meant serving you is wrong because you are my gracious God and I am all in for you. Show me how to take this “secret” Paul mentions here to others. Help me to internalize it, breathe it, and share it. Bring your love for others into the world in this way as well. I love you, Father. Thank you for knowing me and loving me.

I pray this in Jesus and with your Holy Spirit,

Amen