The word for this week is "order". There are several words translated order in both the New and Old Testaments. We will be looking at the Hebrew word "taxis". We find this in 1 Corinthians 14:40 and in Colossians 2:5:
1 Cor 14:40 Let all things be done decently and in order. KJV
Col 2:5 For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ. KJV
"Taxis", according to Strong's Concordance, means: regular arrangement; (in time) fixed succession (of rank or character); official dignity. Thayer's Hebrew Lexicon adds: due or right order. Vine's Expository Dictionary also adds this, specifically for Colossians 2:5: a military significance. Let's look at both of these verses in the Amplified Bible:
Col 2:5 For though I am away from you in body, yet I am with you in spirit, delighted at the sight of your [standing shoulder to shoulder in such] orderly array and the firmness and the solid front and steadfastness of your faith in Christ [that leaning of the entire human personality on Him in absolute trust and confidence in His power, wisdom, and goodness]. AMP
I also really like the Message Bible for Colossians 2:5:
Col 2:5 I'm a long way off, true, and you may never lay eyes on me, but believe me, I'm on your side, right beside you. I am delighted to hear of the careful and orderly ways you conduct your affairs, and impressed with the solid substance of your faith in Christ. THE MESSAGE
I know that neither you nor Kristine would have had the success you've had in your careers if you didn't know how to properly order your life! Now you add the leading of the Spirit of God to your natural strengths and abilities and you both are simply destined for more success! When you carry that over into your family life, your children are learning what it takes to succeed, too! How exciting to know that you are well on your way to raising children who will do well AND be able to find God's will for their lives! You are both an inspiration and we love you! Here is Hillsong with a new song called "Running":
Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!
