08-06-21

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHING
August 6, 2021
Scripture: Colossians 1:15-18
He 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

Thought for the Day: This is some deep poetry, or at least that’s how I read it. Too often people read these words and get a mental picture of Jesus working hard to hold everything together; like the performer spinning plates and trying to keep them from crashing to the ground. I don’t necessarily believe that’s quite the picture we should take from these words. Instead, I read it as Paul describing Jesus as the lens through which we view creation’s intended purpose. Love and generosity, peacefulness and abundance are found so clearly in the life of Jesus, and if all things were created through him, then everything we see in Jesus should be found in creation. The unique characteristics of the artist are usually found in what is created. The little hiccup occurs with our involvement, and our lack of respect and care for the creation. We’ve been known to use a beautiful piece of art as a hammer, far from its intended purpose. But as we continue to find ways of living in such a way as to respect creation’s intended purpose, we are also showing respect and love for Jesus. It’s almost as if our care of creation, including other human beings, is how we show our gratitude to Jesus… and God.

Prayer: May the vision of life and existence revealed in Jesus be my guide for how I am to live my life and better my existence. This is my request, O Jesus, the first born of creation. Amen.

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