Forty to fifty thousand people made the 4 month journey of 1,450 kms from Babylon to Jerusalem. Their Babylonian neighbours gave them provisions, goods and livestock and precious gold, silver and gifts. Thankful for their journey and God's provision, the people now give a freewill faith offering to God from their wealth and according to their ability. We are called to invest in God's work freely and willingly according to our means.

Paul had friends that stayed (Aristarchus, Mark, Justus and Luke), that prayed (Epaphras) and strayed (Demas). Luke was a much valued companion of Paul. A beloved Christian, skilled physician, devoted friend and careful historian. God can use us, no matter our skills, training or background. We can use our skills wherever we find ourselves, with whomever we come in contact. Demas loved this world and deserted Paul. We can use our religious veneer to cover our love for this world. The Colossae Church was under attack as people came in and said they needed more than the gospel. We don't need to grow by adding things into our life for we are already complete in Christ.

The instructions in this passage are to guide our relationships with everyone. There are lessons for all of us regardless of our situation. We are each to take these instructions personally. This passage is all about doing what is fitting in the Lord, pleasing the Lord, reverence for the Lord and serving the Lord. Jesus is supreme in everything and we give ourselves over to Him. Our heavenly garments of compassion, kindness and patience should show to those closest to us.

In the second half of this letter, Paul moves into practical application of our faith. We need to put to death our old practices. Our connection with Jesus means the Spirit lives in us, so sin should not live in us. Set your mind on things above where our hearts and minds are in heaven and our feet are on earth. We are connected to Jesus and we put sins off through His strength. Let's be made more in the image of Christ and surrender to Him every day.

We see in this passage how Paul applies the truth of Jesus' supremacy in his own life even through his suffering and imprisonment. Many early churches were being infiltrated by people who wanted to bring in new mysteries of false teaching, so Paul teaches them so that they can continue in the faith. Christ is the source of all hidden treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Paul teaches the full message of the gospel - there is nothing to add, no deeper mystery. Paul was delighted that the Colossians were disciplining themselves to grow in their faith in Christ. Pray that we would keep ourselves aligned with Jesus, sharing our faith with others and that our strength, discipline and energy be in and through Jesus.