Lent Day 7 Paul’s Description of Jesus

Reading

The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. 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 and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.
Colossians 1: 15 – 20

Reflection

Yesterday we considered the question “Who is Jesus to me?” In Paul’s letter to the Colossians he gives us a comprehensive picture of who Jesus actually is. Its an incredible description! It speaks about his supremacy over all things. Spend a few moments looking at each of the sentences and think about what they are saying. For example, when Paul says that “Jesus is the image of the invisible God”, one of the things he is saying is that in his person he reflects the nature and character of God himself. God may be invisible, but we can see and know him in the person, Jesus. As I try to digest the staggering enormity and significance of these words, my only response becomes one of worship. What about you?

Spiritual Exercise

Your to-do for today: Yesterday I suggested that If you are a person who says grace at every meal, then include the name of “Jesus” in your prayer. If that is not your practice, then maybe just think of the word “Jesus” each time you have a cup of coffee or a cup of tea. Could I suggest that you repeat the exercise today, but as you use the name “Jesus”, pause for a moment and think about this picture of Jesus that Paul has given us in today’s reading. In particular, you may like to think about this sentence: “God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him.”