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Wed August 28 - Jesus: The exact representation
...the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. Hebrews 1:3
This wonderful declaration of the greatness of Christ flows from Jesus being the very Word of God, the Creator of all things, the radiance of God’s glory, to Jesus being the exact representation of God himself. Not a look-alike, but exact in every way. For this reason, among all mankind only Jesus could say, “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father” (John 14:9). Colossians endorses this: The Son ‘is the image of the invisible God’ (1:15) and again, ‘For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him...’ (1:19). Jesus is superior to all others!
The way to draw close to God is to draw close to Jesus; likewise we see God by beholding Jesus, and we hear God by listening to Jesus. He is the complete and unique revelation of God the Father, ‘full of grace and truth’ (John 1:14).
In the past the Jewish nation heard from God through prophets, themselves fragile and vulnerable people, but now Jesus, the Word made flesh, had come to dwell among them. Dear friends, let’s not fall into the trap of constructing an image of God by looking at the world; rather let’s take precious time today to fix our eyes upon Jesus. It’s only then that we can truly know God and the beauty of his holiness.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for sending your Son into the world to reveal the full depth of your sacrificial love for mankind. May my life bring you pleasure today. Amen.
Thurs August 29 - Jesus: The sustainer of all things
...the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. Hebrews 1:3
Imprinted on my mind is the text of Colossians 1:18: ‘...that in all things Christ might have the pre-eminence.’ These words were emblazoned above the pulpit in the church where I was saved and in which I was later to serve as pastor for 28 years. Every Sunday, morning and evening, I would gaze upon that truth. In today’s reflection, the excellence of Christ reaches new heights as we consider Jesus sustaining all things by his powerful word. Colossians 1:17 endorses this: ‘...in him all things hold together.’
Wow! His powerful word maintains the laws of nature, the orbits of planets, and even the beating of our hearts. Our very existence depends on his divine presence at the centre of all things. It’s Jesus, not Gustav Holst, who orchestrates the planets; without Jesus the universe would implode.
When we see Jesus revealed in Scripture, we get a glimpse of the glory of the Lamb upon the throne. Only then can we sing with full conviction Charles Wesley’s words, ‘Changed from glory into glory, till in heaven we take our place; till we cast our crowns before thee, lost in wonder, love and praise.’
This is the same Jesus who from the cross looked across the centuries, praying “Father forgive!” (Luke 23:34). Such amazing grace!
Father, today I ask nothing less than to see Jesus high and lifted up. Touch my heart with a heavenly coal from your altar, fill my life with your presence and use me for your purposes. Amen.
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PRAYER FOR TODAY
PRAYER FOR TODAY