It’s one thing to worry about the spiritual condition of a close family member. But what about someone you’ve never met?
The Gut Wrenching Struggle for Souls
For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face” (Colossians 2:1).
Paul didn’t know the people of either town except by reputation. He knew they were fellow Christians but he’d never met them. Still, he struggled over their spiritual troubles. This word, struggle, gives rise today to the idea of agony, a painful, torturous condition. Paul was truly in agony over the dangers they faced. One can only imagine how he must have felt about Christians he knew face-to-face.
Just a couple of verses before, the great apostle told of agonizing over everyone to bring them to maturity in Christ. He writes:
Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me. (Colossians 1:28).
Later, upon rebuking the Corinthians for their many shortcomings, Paul reported “many tears” (2 Corinthians 2:4). Certainly, the apostle knew what real struggle looked like. Of course he had been the target of oppression and violence many times. But such experiences never dampened his concern for the brethren. After listing many of the physical troubles, Paul says, “And, apart from other things, there is the daily pressure on me of my anxiety for all the churches.” (2 Corinthians 11:28).
Gut Wrenching Struggle by Jesus
Paul simply followed in Jesus’ footsteps. Jesus was deeply concerned for lost sinners, even those who were far estranged from God (Romans 5:8). When looking across Jerusalem, Jesus was overcome with sadness at their refusal to hear his message and respond.
“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! (Luke 13:34).
People often reject the tender love of the Savior. They did then and they still do. And, many will reject your concerns too. Jesus did not stop when people rejected him. Paul did not stop when the crowds ignored and mocked him. The people of Jesus’ day killed him!
For whom do you struggle today? Who causes spiritual anxiety for you? Pause right now and pray for them. While you are at it, pray for yourself. Then reach out. Turn your struggle into productive, soul-saving work. Don’t forget the billions of people you do not know and may never meet. Have you prayed for them too?
