He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.
For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him.
And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.
And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent.
For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell,
and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.
As you read and pray through that verse a few times, what sticks out to you? Does it hold true with things that Jesus taught? Does it compel you to love God and others more?
That’s how the Holy Spirit speaks to us through scripture sometimes. One guy said that as he sang a song, certain words of the song seemed to jump off of the song sheet and stand out in bigger letters. One guy (ok we’ve all had this happen) said that the scriptures from church on Sunday came up in articles on Facebook, then in his small group, then from another conversation.
The Lord is trying to speak to us!
Another way is to have a little bit of a guide, like Bret’s four factors:
- Claims
- Reasons
- Implications
- Actions
Yesterday we sat and camped out on 1 & 2. Today look at the text and ask God about the implications and actions that come next if this is all true.
What are the implications of Christ being the image of God? Maybe we need to pay more attention to Him. Maybe I need to read the Gospels again…this weekend!
What are the implications, what does it mean to the world, if Jesus created everything? Am I OK with that? Can I surrender to a creative and loving God knowing that I don’t like everything He created?
And then the actions.
What has He done? What have I done? Is there something I should/ can/ want/ to do now?
Let this be the substance of your prayer today. And if you get a clear answer, assume that was too easy and keep going. God always wants to help us grow in Him.
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