Thoughts for the Day
Tuesday, 18th April 2023: Jesus Christ, manifestation of God: Colossians 2
God Colossians 1 Paul Jesus Christ
Reading : Verses from Colossians, Chapter 1
Our Lord Jesus Christ .... is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation; for in him all things in heaven and on earth were created, things visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or powers—all things have been created through him and for him. He himself is before all things, and in him all things hold together. He is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that he might come to have first place in everything. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him God was pleased to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, by making peace through the blood of his cross.
(Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)
Thoughts
It would need a library of books to explain this passage from Colossians, but perhaps it's possible to say a few things. Many churches have icons depicting saints or scenes from the New Testament. This symbolic art is to encourage faith, and to teach the faithful. The icon is not the saint, but is a symbolic representation of them, and a reminder to all who see it of their story in the life of the church.
But when Paul uses the Greek word eikon which is similar, he is saying that Jesus is more than a symbolic representation of God. He is using the word to mean the image of God. He is not just a picture or copy of God. He is the physical manifestation of God. If we want to see what God is like, then we must look at Jesus, who became a man in order to reconcile us to God. This he achieved through his death (a sinless man dying for the sin of all who believe in him) and his resurrection.
Secondly, Paul says that the world was created by Him and for Him. It is He who created and who sustains all things living - all things seen and unseen - and who will one day bring all things to an end.
Prayer
'Lord Jesus Christ,
God from God
Light from Light,
true God from true God,
begotten, not made,
of one Being with the Father'.
We say this each week in the Creed,
but need Your help to believe it.
May we learn to praise and worship You
at the beginning and the end of the day,
as our Maker and our Saviour.
Amen.
If you would like to look at the word 'firstborn' from the above passage, and at my previous 'Thoughts' on the heresy that arose, click this:
Of if you want to learn more about 'Christology', look at this: