Colossians 4:18
I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.
Pastor David Guzik observed, “There is much emotion, sorrow, and strength in this simple phrase. Paul not only knew the confinement and loneliness of the prisoner; he also had the uncertainty of not knowing if his case before Caesar’s court would end with his execution.” Yet, Paul’s focus was not on his predicament, but rather, his mission. And while he did express some concern for himself, his heart was far more invested in others.
As was his custom, Paul took the pen into his own hand to close out the letter he had dictated to a secretary or assistant. It must have been awkward given the fact that he was bound in Roman chains, but Paul wanted to make sure his letter’s recipients knew it was from him, personally. Yes, the Holy Spirit had given birth to every word…but Paul’s heart bathed all of them in his deep and abiding love. What can we do to make sure the people close to use know how much we love and care for them? How often do we express our devotion and care? How often do we labor over them in prayer?
“Remember my chains.” It was a short prayer request, but was heartfelt. Paul did not go into details—the resulting conditions would have been well understood by a first century Jew—but it was a powerful cry for intercession, nevertheless. When it comes to praying for one another, how much detail do we really need? There is nothing inherently wrong with a detailed prayer request, but the same request minus the details can be presented with just as much care and concern to the God who knows the situation intimately. “I’m in a really tough spot—please pray for me” should be enough for any of us to take to the Father on a friend’s behalf.
Grace, or charis in the original Greek, most likely refers to sanctifying grace, that transforming power which alone makes it possible to carry out Paul’s instructions and commands in this epistle. God’s undeserved favor, manifest in the saint’s being enabled to work out his or her salvation in fear and trembling. It is the key to the Christian life. British pastor Guy King wrote:
“We all recognize that this is essential to the healthiness, and happiness, and, indeed, the helpfulness of the Christian life. Probably, we shall all, whether in greater or less degree, desire to grow. Our problem is not What, but How? The answer is, Grace: GOD’s supply for man’s situation – by faith and obedience, keep clear and clean the pipeline, that the oil of grace may flow into our need uninterruptedly.”
As we finish our brief trip through Colossians together, I’ll leave you with the words of the great hymn by Julia H. Johnston…and…grace be with you.
Marvelous grace of our loving Lord,
Grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt!
Yonder on Calvary’s mount outpoured,
There where the blood of the Lamb was spilled.
Refrain:
Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that will pardon and cleanse within;
Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that is greater than all our sin!
Sin and despair, like the sea waves cold,
Threaten the soul with infinite loss;
Grace that is greater, yes, grace untold,
Points to the refuge, the mighty cross.
Dark is the stain that we cannot hide;
What can we do to wash it away?
Look! There is flowing a crimson tide,
Brighter than snow you may be today.
Marvelous, infinite, matchless grace,
Freely bestowed on all who believe!
You that are longing to see His face,
Will you this moment His grace receive?
