Of Puppies and Preeminence

I apologize for posting this blog so late in the day.  Our Labrador Retriever Lily decided to give birth to seven puppies this morning between 2:30 and 6:45.  It was a neat experience to witness but really ruined my ability to focus before noon.

Yesterday we looked at the glorious might of our Lord Jesus.  Today I'd like to continue looking at Colossians 1:15-17:

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. 

How do we know and understand the nature and character of God?  We look at Jesus!  Hebrews 1:3 says Jesus is the exact imprint of God the Father.  Here in Colossians Paul says He is the image of God.  Not a close copy, not a glimpse but the full nature and character of God in human form.  If we want to know God and have relationship with Him we must know Jesus.  

We have to be in scripture reading about Jesus.  We have to read John 8 where the religious leaders bring a woman caught in adultery to Jesus to learn that our God is merciful.  We have to read John 11 when Jesus is on His way to raise Lazarus from the dead and He stops with Martha and Mary and shows us that our God is a God of compassion.  We have to read Luke 8 where Jesus stops the storm to learn that God is all powerful even over nature.  I could go on and on but you get the idea.  

Jesus was 100% God and is the revelation of God himself to us.  We don't have to guess; we can know the living God that rules the universe.

He is the firstborn.  This doesn't mean He was created.  It is a title of position, meaning he is in the position of inheritance and authority.  Jesus is Eternal, He was there at creation creating and He is the ruler over every created thing from puppies and trees to gravity and a universe than spans light years.

Does the God who rules all creation, things visible and invisible, rule in your heart?  We all have a throne on our heart.  Who or what sits on the throne of your heart?  Take some time today to reflect on Christ who is the King on the throne of your heart.

Blessings and puppy breath,

Patrick