Daily Manna

Key Verse

“For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding” (Colossians 1:9).

TEXT — Colossians 1:9-13

Message

William Gurnall, an English author and clergyman of the 17th century, wrote: “Blind zeal is soon put to a shameful retreat, while holy resolution, built on fast principles, lifts up its head like a rock in the midst of the waves.” Gurnall’s observation highlights the importance of focusing our Christian devotion within the circle of God’s will. To do this, the knowledge of God’s will is crucial, otherwise, we run the risk of parading a blind zeal which leads to foolishness and fruitlessness.

This fact is buttressed in the content of the prayers of Apostle Paul and his fellow ministers for the church in Colosse. They had learned from Epaphroditus about the buoyant spiritual state of the church and were filled with gratitude to God for it. This prompted them to desire and constantly pray that the Colossian brethren would be filled with the knowledge of and will of God. No greater blessing is desirable for a Christian pilgrim than to be filled with the knowledge of divine things and be guided by the Spirit of truth. This is what enables us to walk worthily and fruitfully as Christians.

The apostolic desire and prayer expressed in today’s text, unfortunately, contrasts with the aspirations and focus of many professing gospel ministers and Christian believers. Material and other personal gratifications have become the real issues of concern. No wonder there is so much spiritual ignorance and drifting from the will of God even among Christians. This ignorance has led many to resort to carnal, and worldly approaches in the service of God, which in turn, produces futility and divine rejection.

We receive the knowledge of God’s will from His word (the Scriptures) and the illumination cast on it by the Holy Spirit. It is not enough to possess and read the Bible. We must also desire and seek to be “filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding.” It is of great advantage to be exposed to a clear and comprehensive teaching of God’s word that ensures that our choices, decisions, walks, and devotions conform with the dignity of the gospel and our profession.

Thought for the day

No steering can redeem a zeal driven by ignorance and headed in the wrong direction.

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