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It is quite unusual for most of us to have love and concern for people we have never met. Yet the Apostle Paul has this fatherly love for the people in Colossae whom he probably has not met. He had for them the personal love and caring attitude, full of deep and earnest yearning, protective and guardian-like. He is eager to tell the Colossians what he wants for their good and well being. He reveals to them the great “mystery of God”. Secrets usually are guarded and kept for a few, especially secrets which lead to treasures of surpassing value. However, Paul treats the Colossians as endearing family members deserving to know this “mystery of God”.
This astounding “mystery of God” is of tremendous worth. We ought to just pause and reflect the impact of this revelation, the extent and weight of Paul’s teaching. This “mystery of God” in his letter to the Colossians is different from the mystery mentioned in his letter to the Ephesians. In Ephesians, that mystery refers to God’s plan of calling the Gentiles into the Christian church on equal footing with Jewish believers in the kingdom of God. “This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus” (Eph. 3:6).
In Colossians, the “mystery of God” takes a different and deeper dimension. God’s plan does not end with just all believers entering into His kingdom. There are riches and treasures to be found – “the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Col. 2:2b-3). Wisdom and knowledge are indeed of great worth. King Solomon when asked what he desires most, requested from God: “Give me wisdom and knowledge”. The LORD God replied, “You have not asked for wealth, possessions or honour, nor for the death of your enemies and since you have not asked for a long life but for wisdom and knowledge to govern my people over whom I have made you king, therefore wisdom and knowledge will be given you. And I will also give you wealth, possessions and honour” (2 Chron. 1:10-12).
Paul reveals this immense truth that Christ is the “mystery of God” – He is Supreme and He is Sufficient. We are to seek more of Christ and to be more Christ like. Jesus will enable us to be sufficiently endowed with the precious treasures of His wisdom and knowledge.
