He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. Colossians 1:17, NIV

 

Yesterday we reflected on the union between Jesus and His disciples, and how God’s active role of tending the vine produces fruit through knowing Jesus, and remaining in Him.

 

When I was a little girl growing up, I was fascinated with the idea of God – who He was, where He was, how I could learn more about Him. From things I’d been told I knew He was important because He was in charge of the entire world, He lived in the sky – breathtaking – and He even had hosts of angels to help Him with all the important things He did.

 

God was definitely interested in us and listened as I prayed my child prayers to Him each night, addressing Him as, “Gentle Jesus.” He knew when we were being good, or naughty, and I knew that I wanted to be good and please Him; but I didn’t know then what an exciting journey it would be discovering who He was, and how He would teach me through the Bible and through many different experiences in my life. With each new turn He would become more real to me.

 

Looking back on those days before school, followed later by Sunday School, and my first Bible from my godmother with illustrations in it, I realise that many early impressions of God were coloured by Jesus, who pointed to God. Christmastime and His birth, a heavenly choir of angels, stars, and animals in a stable, were all things possible for even a young child to grasp and wonder at.

 

In one incredible action God connected with His creation by coming to earth as a man.

 

Jesus, who “is the image of the invisible God” (Colossians 1:15) and in whom the fullness of God was pleased to dwell (Colossians 1:19) made it possible to know God. As we open ourselves to Him, we learn through Him speaking to the Jews that “[He] and the Father are one” (John 10:30) and to Philip, that “Anyone who has seen [Him] has seen the Father”. (John 14:9b)

 

Sometimes the descriptions of God in the Old Testament can make Him sound remote; too holy, too powerful to approach, like: “For who in the skies above can compare with the Lord? Who is like the Lord among the heavenly beings?” (Psalm 89:6) and we don’t always find the verses that assure of His love and grace, like: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.” (Jeremiah 31:3b)

 

Seeing Jesus dispelled this. Jesus more than bridged the gap. He, who was with God from the beginning, came to lay down His life for the fallen sons and daughters of Adam – in every way making it possible for us to be redeemed.

 

Why Jesus?

 

He, alone, was worthy.

 

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for the magnificence of Your love, humility, and sacrifice for us, “taking the very nature of a servant” (Philippians 2:7) to show us the face of God. Amen