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Colossians 1:15-18, 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. 

When Paul wrote this letter, the church at Colossae was facing threats from false teachers.  As we read this, we will find a clear theme: the centrality of Jesus Christ.  While details aren't known, there was apparently a movement within the town to remove Christ from the church.  Thus, Paul goes to great lengths in this short little book to describe the person and work of Jesus and what it means to live as a Christ-follower.  While Paul did not found the church at Colossae, he very much feels responsible for it.  Therefore, Paul writes this letter with much urgency from a Roman (or possibly Ephesian) prison cell.

Our focus verses for today highlight this emphasis on the identity of Jesus Christ.  Notice how in the previous verses Paul speaks about Jesus as Savior, as the one who rescues and redeems us. Now, Paul is speaking of Jesus as Lord.  This section is considered a hymn to Jesus Christ and it is rich in theology. Jesus is the visible manifestation of God, God in human form; Jesus is God and nothing less.  God's character can be seen in Jesus Christ.  Let that sink in.

But there is more.  Jesus was present at creation and serves as Lord over all creation.  He is supreme over all things.  Jesus is Lord and everything exists to reveal his glory. 

Then, Jesus as creator and redeemer are brought together again.  Jesus, who is head over all creation is also head over the church, his body.  Obviously, Jesus existed without the church but the church cannot exist without Jesus.  The church is the visible body of Christ in this world but Jesus serves as the head of the church.  A body can't function or exist without a head.  The church cannot function or exist without Jesus.

It almost seems laughable to me that there was a movement within Colossae trying to remove Jesus from the church.  A church can't be a church without Jesus.  It's totally absurd.  And yet, even as I write that, I realize that there are probably many churches in existence right now that basically function separate from Jesus.  Maybe they are religious social clubs or possibly political organizations but they aren't the body of Jesus.  This could have happened gradually and slowly.  After all, we live in a very distracted, self-reliant culture.  I have to admit, even the thought of this is so, so scary to me.  How can we ensure that Jesus stays central in all we do at New Hope?  Pray, friends.  Pray diligently and specifically that Jesus stays at the core of all we do. 

Let's pray right now...Dear Almighty God, We serve you and you alone.  Jesus, you are our Savior and Lord.  You are Lord of our lives and our church.  Help all we do reflect that.  Help us have laser focus on following you.  The world is a mess and a distraction.  We need laser focus on you.  In Your Name, Amen.