The Unseen Moved into Plain Sight

Some of us are participating in this season of Lent, preparing ourselves for celebrating Christ’s resurrection, as well as the promise of ours in turn.  Thus, I thought it would be appropriate to spend a few minutes pondering him, his character, his work, and the implications of who he is on us.

"He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 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. And he is before all things, and in him all thingshold together. 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. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross." Colossians 1:15-20

He made the unseen/invisible visible, in plain sight.  The Creator took on the form of His creation.  The ruler of all dominions became an impoverished, dependent child.  He who was before all things, separate from time, put himself into creation at an exact moment.  He who was spiritual became permanently physical.  The preeminent became a servant.  The fullness of God dwelt in a man, so that God could be fully known.  All this for the purpose of reconciling all things to himself, giving rest and peace, through his journey to death and resurrection. 

How this shapes his followers is put well by Diane Langberg in her book for therapists working with those who suffered abuse.  She says it this way:

"All that we do as those who name the name of Christ is to be both incarnational and redemptive.  Our words are to communicate his truth.  Our person is to reflect his person.  Our lives are to be a living, breathing explanation of his character. Those who sit with us in our office should have a better understanding of who God is because we have, through our obedience to him and love for him, touched them with the flavor of his presence."

May we be a taste of the fullness of God to those around us.