His Work at Work in Us

And for this purpose I am working, using all my strength by the help of his power which is working in me strongly. (Colossians 1:29 ESV) Serving others is hard work. Paul understood this like Abraham and Sarah before him. Not only is the physical aspect of caring for the needs of others taxing, but there is an emotional side that can sometimes exact an even greater toll. Today at International Lutheran Church, we sit at the feet of Jesus and learn from Him who came to serve with complete devotion and dedication to you and me showing us what it means to serve in His strength.

Many of you have been praying for our family as we travel across the United States sharing with many of our work together at International Lutheran Church. Last weekend, Chenhsi and I, together with Lydia and Andrea were able to visit Bethlehem Lutheran Church where we were married this week 32 years ago. What a joy to be with these saints again, to join them in their 100th anniversary celebration as a congregation, and to be encouraged once again through their service and encouragement.

It reminded me of how all of you often open your homes and lives to family and friends that come to visit in Korea. It also reminded me of our own faith family life together with our social events and special celebrations throughout the year. These events don’t just happen. We are all actively involved in helping to welcome the family member and stranger alike. Sometimes we need to be honest that it involves a lot of hard work and effort. It sounded like Sarah just snapped her fingers and the food appeared for Abraham to welcome the three strangers that came to their tent that day (Genesis 18:1-14) but it was a lot of work. Just as Martha worked hard to prepare for Jesus as He visited their home together with His disciples. And yet, it was their joy and passion to serve in just this way. Just as Paul explains to the church in Colossae. Not only did he work hard, but so did they along with his companions. Yet, he recognizes that this work, this effort, is exactly the same work and effort and power that is at work in each of us. Jesus’ work to deliver us from the kingdom of darkness and to bring us into His kingdom of light is what is at work in us, even now. Our lives are often filled with tasks that are incredibly taxing – both physically and emotionally – but this “work” is only a small reflection of the real work that God has and is doing in Christ. The Apostle Paul grasped hold of that which had taken hold of him and sought to impart it to the church everywhere he went. Here in Colossae, like many of the places he had gone to spread the Gospel, he shared fervently of the work that is at work in us. Jesus had given His very life that all would be saved, freed, and given a new life in Him. Paul worked harder than all, but even he had to admit it wasn’t him, but the One whose life, death, and resurrection is the work of God. Jesus devoted Himself without measure to the needs of all. No wonder Mary would sit raptured at His feet and Martha would busy herself about many things. He came into their home, even as God entered the shade of Abraham’s abode. Jesus comes to bless and give Himself, His all for you and me personally. He calls us into His action of blessing and invites us to open our lives to all around us, without distinction or restriction. He comes even in the simple meal that we share that our lives would be multiplied in such a way that every “basket” is filled and overflowing as our sins are forgiven and we live in the forgiveness that pours through us to others.

There is still a lot of work to do. One summer is not enough to tell the story. As we open our lives to the needs of others, we see the many before us. Even as one task is done, another has arrived calling for our full attention. But with Paul, we also see this in a new way. It is not us alone who work and labor, but really His Spirit in us and through us. In Christ, our lives are made for service that encourages and strengthens us in the very task that our Lord has dedicated Himself to – the salvation of all.

Pastor Carl