“Who is the Image of the invisible God, the Firstborn of every creature—for by Him were all things created that are in heaven and that are in the earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones or dominions or principalities or powers; all things were created by Him and for Him. And He is before all things and by Him all things consist. And He is the Head of the Body, the Church, Who is the Beginning, the Firstborn from the dead—that in all things He might have the preeminence.”
Colossians 1:15-18
Do not get caught up in the words; bask in the Word instead.
Who is this One we call Jesus. . .the virgin-born Son of God. . .the “Word made flesh, Who dwelt (‘pitched a tent/tabernacled’) among us” (Jn. 1:14) for around 33 years here on earth? Who is He—this One predicted by prophets of old—Who came from God to save us from our sins and ourselves and even now is “preparing a Place for us in Heaven” (Jn. 14:1-3)?
Who is He?
Today’s Manna adds a few more beautiful brushstrokes to this “Christ-Canvas.”
He is “the Image of the invisible God.” He is the “eikon” (Grk.= “profile, representation, resemblance, likeness of, etc.”) of the One Who sent Him (cf. Heb. 1:1-3). That’s why Jesus said “He that has seen Me has seen the Father” (Jn. 6:45-46; 14:9). Simply put, the way Jesus talked and walked is the way the Heavenly Father is.
He’s also “the Firstborn of every creature.” He’s the Example and clear Epitome of what we were created to be. It wasn’t God’s intentions that Adam and Eve sin; yet, because of their freedom to choose, they did. But, our Heavenly Father demonstrated His omnipotence by sending Jesus as “the second Adam” (II Cor. 15:42-50) so we could be “translated from our sinful, Adamic image into the glorious likeness of Christ Himself” (v.49; Phil. 3:20-21; Col. 1:13-14). Hallelujah!!
Furthermore, He’s the Creator and Sustainer of everything—“for BY HIM were all things created. . .and all things were created FOR Him, Who is before all things (the Alpha) and by which all things consist (Grk. ‘sunistao’—‘set together, stand near, constitute, bond, hold together, etc.’).”
Let us also not forget He is also “the Head of the Body, the Church—the Beginning and Firstborn of the dead.” Jesus. . .the Risen Lord. . .the King of kings. . .is the “Head of the Church”—not any mortal man, regardless of his pedigree or degree. He is “the First-fruits of them Who slept” (I Cor. 15:20) and the “Resurrection and the Life” for all who believe (Jn. 11:25-26; I Cor. 15:21-22).
And, what’s the purpose of all of this?
“That in ALL THINGS He might have the preeminence (Grk. ‘proteuo’—‘first in rank or influence, foremost, supreme dominion, etc.’).”
It’s all about Him, Pilgrim. All about Him. Surrender to Him by “loosing Him and letting Him go” (Jn. 11:44). Then, watch Him work in/through you.
By Tom Smith Morning Manna Dated December 7, 2009
