God’s Hope for Your Heart from Colossians 4
JESUS CAN TRULY RECONCILE
Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, and Mark the cousin of Barnabas (concerning whom you have received instructions—if he comes to you, welcome him.) (Colossians 4:10)
Paul had not been a fan of this Mark fellow. He had allowed the young man to accompany him and Barnabas on their travels, only to have Mark turn back and abandon them midway through. (Acts 13:13)
Paul disliked him so much, in fact, that when Barnabas suggested they give him another chance, Paul disagreed strongly enough that the two longtime friends and ministry partners parted ways on less than friendly terms. (Acts 15:39)
But Jesus changes everything.
Yes, Paul, Barnabas, and Mark were all believers when they had their troubles with each other, but just because you follow Jesus doesn’t mean you always let Him direct the things you do.
Yet, Jesus has a way of working in people over time that often produces the most amazing results. When we let Him have His way in us, incredible things can come to pass!
That’s what happened between Paul and Mark. Over time, Jesus kept working in their hearts and they kept responding with obedience and faith. Over time, Jesus brought together as friends these two men who had been at odds with one another.
If you let Him, He can do the same for you.
Let go of your pride and your need to be right. Let go of your hurt and your anger, whether justified or not. Give them to Jesus and let this truth fill you with hope: Jesus can truly reconcile.
-Pastor Phillip
