Tuesday, May 13, 2025  

Today's Scripture
Colossians 1:15–23

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation; for in him all things in heaven and on earth were created, things visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or powers — all things have been created through him and for him. He himself is before all things, and in him all things hold together. He is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that he might come to have first place in everything. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him God was pleased to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, by making peace through the blood of his cross. And you who were once estranged and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, he has now reconciled in his fleshly body through death, so as to present you holy and blameless and irreproachable before him — provided that you continue securely established and steadfast in the faith, without shifting from the hope promised by the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven. I, Paul, became a servant of this gospel. (NRSV)

Reflection

Jesus. Born in the image of God. Born fully human and fully divine. And born to be our Savior and the Savior of the world.

Paul is clear in his message to the Colossians that Jesus is first and supreme over all things. Paul is also clear that we are to put Jesus before everything in our lives. He is to be our top priority. And we are to live our lives accordingly.

What Paul is asking is incredibly challenging for us, for we are human and highly fallible.

To live our lives as Jesus did means being full of love and forgiveness. We are to live a life focused on helping others. We would also challenge the authorities. We would stand up to power.

Jesus is both an inspiring and an intimidating role model. While we will always fall short, we are called to give it our all, striving to do God’s will as best as we can as we live out our lives together.

Prayer
Dear Creator God, thank you for the incredible gift of your Son, Jesus. Jesus, who gave his life so that we might have eternal life. Please give us the strength and support to live our lives as Jesus did, loving one another deeply and unendingly. Helping the sick, the poor, the lost, and the lonely. Standing up for what we believe, no matter the cost. Please encourage us when we falter. And celebrate when we flourish. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Written by Ed Miller, Member of Fourth Presbyterian Church

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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