The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. (Col 1:15-20 NIV)
I am fascinated by the symmetry of the universe. As we continue to discover how large it is we also discover smaller and smaller particles. The immensity of the universe is impossible to really comprehend and at the same time this huge universe is built on particles so small we really can’t see them. We can only see their effects. Jesus created all of this. There is much debate over how the universe came to be. What the New Testament writers make clear is that it was Jesus who created it all. Someday we’ll understand the how. For me, it is sufficient to understand the why. God’s love created the universe through Jesus.
Two acts of disobedience in the garden were sufficient to create an almost irreparable break in the relationship between God and the people He created. God had a way and it was planned before the creation began. The way was for the creator to also become a creature and the savior. I cannot comprehend the distance from creation to the cross. All I can do is imagine how great God’s intention must be for us that Jesus would be willing to surrender the power of the creator to die as a creature.
Our grandchildren are staying with us this week and most of the time it is a joy to be with them. Occasionally, their selfish desires get the best of them and a power struggle results. These struggles take many forms, but the common theme is that no one is willing to surrender. Watching the struggle and realizing the insignificance of the thing being fought over would be humorous except for the reminder that I’m no better. I need to read this passage over and over to be reminded that anything I think I’m surrendering is insignificant compared to what Jesus surrendered to save me.
For my grandchildren:
Remember what Jesus gave up to save you every time you’re asked to give up something.
Impressive. Dad