God's Health Care Delivery System

Health Care Delivery System

In Colossians 1:24 we find an amazing statement by the apostle Paul. Here is the verse: “Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church,”

As always the entire passage is marvelous and needs to be carefully examined, but let me just get to the point of this verse. It begs the question, “Whatever could be lacking in Christ’s afflictions?”

From the context we find Paul rejoicing in being a “minister” of the church. The word “minister” is the word diakonas in Greek. It is the word from which we get deacon. It means servant or waiter. Paul is the servant of the church as a stewardship from God to “make the word of God fully known.” This word of God is the mystery that God has chosen to reveal to his saints. Paul says it is “Christ in you, the hope of glory.” So how is this service position of Paul’s filling up some lack in Christ’s afflictions?

Christ’s afflictions are perfect. As it tells us in Hebrews, Christ’s death was a once for all action. It needs nothing added. The only thing we, or any servant, can add is bringing the good news to those who need to hear. God has chosen to make it known to certain individuals, and he chooses to use us in that delivery system. Paul found that being a part of God’s delivery system is very painful. There are many obstacles. There are enemies everywhere we look. Satan does not want us to fill up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions. He will do all in his power to stop you and discourage you. The obstacles can even be “well meaning” members of the church!

Paul says he rejoices in his sufferings for the sake of the people in Colossae. The church is worth our large or small sacrifices. Listen, whenever you try to be a part of God’s delivery system you will run into opposition. Let us follow the example of Paul. He kept reminding himself of his calling. God called him to the lofty task of proclaiming Christ! He calls this task toil and struggling. Let’s keep at it though, because God is working through us to reach his saints. He is using us to be his health care delivery system. He has secured all the healing anyone needs, but we bring that healing to a sick world. God uses us!