Wednesday, April 21, 2010

A prayer...

Colossians 1:15-20
"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 things hold 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."

I was praying through this passage this morning, having entered prayer feeling particularly disconnected and dishoveled. So many needs, so many concerns, it was hard to know where to begin. Then this passage broke over me like the dawn. In the midst of reminders of my humanity, frailty, and finitude the glory and supremacy of Christ has a way of clearing the clouds and reorienting me to "the big picture". It's all about Jesus - his supremacy, his preeminence, his glory.

There is a lot here, but just a couple of notes:

"in him all things hold together." This is true on an atomic as well as galactic level. Jesus holds planets and planeria, stars and starfish together. But also, something really amazing, he holds me together! When I feel like my world is coming apart and I am unraveling, Jesus is the one who holds me together. And sometimes he simply holds me. So I pray, "Jesus, in the midst of times of chaos and confusion, hold me together! Hold onto me - don't let me go! You promised you would, and so I rest in that promise!"

"...that in everything he might be preeminent." The bottom line to all life's pursuits is the supremacy of Christ. The fuel for all that we do is the supremacy of Christ. The end toward which all our prayers are ultimately directed is the supremacy of Christ. And if this is end to which the Lord is directing all of human and cosmic history - what confidence does this give my prayers! And so I pray, "Jesus, be preeminent in my work, get all the glory in your church, be supreme in my marriage, captivate my children with your glory, open the eyes of my lost friends to your supremacy! Lord, let nothing thwart this awesome goal in my life and in the lives of those around me!"

I would highly commend praying though this passage yourself. And when you do, remember to pray for me...

The well wisher of your soul's happiness,
Pastor Tom

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