SCRIPTURE: Colossians 1:15-23

OBSERVATION:
From an earthly perspective, Jesus was just another human being who caused a bit of a stir in Palestine, died prematurely, then miraculously came back to life. Paul is making the claim that this somewhat ordinary person was actually God in the flesh, the visible manifestation of the invisible God. Most people saw Him as one of us, but amazingly, He is the One through Whom all things were made, and in Whom all things hold together. He is fully human, yet so much more. Think of superman appearing as Clark Kent; looks ordinary enough but behind those clothes, watch out. Jesus’ life, death and resurrection are a part of a bigger story, the Big Story, with cosmic implications and consequences. Through what He did, has done and is doing, we are able once again to connect with God – and therefore with God’s world. Everything depends on Jesus (the Christ, the visible manifestation of the fullness of God). Wow!

APPLICATION:
Is the core of my ‘religion’ a relationship with God through Jesus, the Messiah? Am I responding to Jesus’ claims and actions with faith and loyalty? Am I choosing to live as a faithful follower of this God incarnate? Do I really believe that the ONLY hope for this world, and for every person who lives in it, is in knowing Jesus the Messiah? Am I a Christ-follower, and do I relate to Him AS IF He really was and is the ultimate revelation of God in the flesh? Honestly, I think I underestimate and underappreciate Jesus.

PRAYER:
Lord, help me today to think higher, greater thoughts about You. Help me to refocus my whole life around You, and the world You are working to rebuild? Enable me by Your Spirit in me to start living the kingdom life, now. Amen.