August 7, 2024
Praying Friends,
As we continue our study in Colossians and look a little closer at the person of Jesus, there are a number of expressions in Chapter 1 from verse 15 to 23 used to describe who He is, what He has done, and what He is doing.
The more we look at Him, the more our hearts will be filled with worship.
As Paul describes the Lord Jesus, he begins by saying, “The Son is the image of the invisible God” (Colossians 1:15a NIV).
The ancient nations all had their gods, and the Greeks were no exception. Like all the others, their gods were a replica, extension, or larger edition of themselves. John Phillips says, “The problem was that they projected into infinity the lines of fallen man and as a result came up with fallen gods—gods who lusted and hated and warred and indulged themselves on a grand and terrible scale.”
Our text says, “He is the image of the invisible God.” He is not a man-made god, but a man revealing the fullness of the true God.
The word “image” is the Greek word (eikōn) meaning a figure, a statue, a profile, or a likeness.
Interestingly, we get our word “icon” from this Greek word. Mr. Vine says it has two ideas: one of representation and one of manifestation. Jesus not only represented God here on earth, but He fully revealed who He was.
Using company as an example, an icon represents the organization. When you see the Golden Arches (McDonald’s icon) regardless of the country, you know you can get a Big Mac. Those arches represent something larger than just one restaurant.
An icon also represents what is hidden underneath, as with a smartphone or computer. There may be hundreds or thousands of files behind an icon on a computer. In the same way, the Lord Jesus reveals the fullness of God.
John tells us that He is God. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1). Paul to the Philippians says He has the nature of God. “Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage” (Philippians 2:6).
The Hebrew writer says that Jesus expresses the glory of God like the sun radiates the essence of its own nature. “The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven” (Hebrews 1:3).
Here in Colossians 1, He is presented as the perfect manifestation of God. He made the invisible God visible. If you ever wonder what God is like, just look at Jesus! He displayed every attribute of God’s nature.
The more you get to know someone's character, the more you either do or do not appreciate them. As the bride speaks about her beloved in Solomon’s writings, she says, “He is altogether lovely. This is my beloved, this is my friend” (Song of Solomon 5:16). This is how we view our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ! He is altogether lovely!
As you see His actions, His reactions, and His interactions, you get to glimpse His true character. As you get to know Him better, your heart will overflow in worship at the beauty and wonder of His person.
Thank you for praying for our prodigals and for revival among us.
Love in Christ,
Bryan and Rachel
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