Today’s readings: Acts 28, Colossians 1-2, Psalm 145
Colossians 1:15-19
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16 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. 17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 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. 19 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.
Years ago, I attended a very insightful leadership workshop led by Lyle Schaller. He observed that there are First Person churches—those that emphasize God as Father. There are Second Person churches—those that focus on Jesus. And there are Third Person churches—those that emphasize the Holy Spirit and his gifts.
I found that an interesting observation, especially since I am part of a decidedly Second Person church. It’s one of the great Reformation solas, after all: Christ Alone!
Of course, these are broad generalizations. We confess one God in three persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We dare not diminish any person of the Trinity. Yet it is worth asking where we place our emphasis and whom we hold before the eyes of faith.
Paul leaves little doubt about the central place of Jesus Christ. In Colossians 1, he describes Jesus in magnificent terms. Listen to these attributes of Christ:
- The image of the invisible God
- The firstborn of all creation
- The One who is before all things – including every throne, dominion, ruler, and authority
- The One through whom and for whom all things were created – that in itself is stunningly remarkable!
- The One in whom all things hold together
- The head of the body, the Church
- The firstborn from the dead
- The One in whom the fullness of God was pleased to dwell – Jesus is God incarnate!
So that in everything he might be preeminent.
Think about that. Everything was created through him and for him. Everything holds together in him. And he is the One who reconciles all things to himself through the blood of his cross.
Our hymns are predominantly about Jesus. Our worship centers in Christ. Our Scripture readings continually bring us to Christ. Remember how that happens even as we read some of the more difficult passages of the Old Testament? Jesus himself said that the Scriptures testify about him.
We recently returned from a wonderful trip to Italy. We saw incredible sights and enjoyed unforgettable experiences. Many of those were in beautiful cathedrals and churches. Mosaics, statuary, frescoes, altars, and even some of the floors expressed an honor to God through their remarkable artistry.
One thing, however, did not sit particularly well with us. Mary was so prominently displayed that in some places she seemed to receive even greater honor than Jesus. She was depicted as the Queen of Heaven, surrounded by extraordinary beauty and splendor.
There is a term that even we Lutherans ascribe to Mary. It isn’t the doctrine of her immaculate conception – that she was preserved from original sin from the beginning of her life. Nor do we consider her a co-redemptrix alongside Christ. But we do confess that she is Theotokos, God-bearer. Mother of God.
That is an extraordinary honor! But Mary’s greatness is not independent of Jesus. Her honor comes from the fact that God chose her to bear the Savior of the world. She herself rejoiced in God her Savior. And Jesus must always be preeminent.
I have to say that there may have been churches in Italy without a statue, fresco, or mosaic of Mary. But I don’t recall seeing one without some representation of Christ. Often he was on the cross. Sometimes he was depicted as the risen and reigning Lord. Sometimes he was shown as the infant in Mary’s arms.
For that I am thankful.
But most of all, I am thankful for Jesus himself. The One through whom all things were created is the One who shed his blood on the cross to reconcile us to God. The One who holds all things together is the One who holds us in his grace. And the firstborn from the dead is the One who has opened the way to eternal life.
Without him, we have no lasting hope. But because of him, we have forgiveness, peace with God, and the promise of life everlasting.
That in everything he might be preeminent.
Follow the Word is a daily Bible reading and devotional ministry of St. John Lutheran Church, Cypress, Texas.
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