May you be made strong with all the strength that comes from his glorious power, and may you be prepared to endure everything with patience, while joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has enabled you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the light.
He has rescued us from the power of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
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. Colossians 1:11-20
I wish I could talk personally to Jesus this morning. I wish he was sitting here next to my desk. I have a bunch of questions for him and I would love to hear his answers before I share my thoughts on this passage from Colossians.
I have always thought that Martin Luther would get angry if he knew that my tribe had labeled ourselves “Lutherans.” At least, I hope he would get angry if he knew. I like to imagine him saying something along the lines of “this isn’t about ME. It isn’t about MY ideas or MY interpretation of scripture. It is all about God, revealing all we need to know in Jesus, continuing to guide us through the Holy Spirit.”
So I would love to hear Jesus’ thoughts on that one.
And I would love to hear what Jesus thinks about all of our feeble attempts to capture his essence, his purpose, his identity, in our flowery words and our theologizing. It is a bit scary to think about this one but I would love to hear what Jesus would have to say about what we have put together (or torn into little pieces) that we call the “church” in all its forms. I like to imagine that he wouldn’t have much patience with conversation about the church. That he would much rather talk about how so many people have worked so hard to recapture his healing and teaching ministry through our hospitals and educational systems. I would love to hear what he thinks about modern farming and micro loans and the internet.
I am always carrying several people in my heart at a time. A young man questioning his faith. Another struggling to beat cancer. People grieving the loss of loved ones. People coming to grips with painful diagnoses and uncertain treatment paths. People who are so richly blessed but unsure of how to steward their lives. I would love to hear Jesus’ advice on what I should be doing today to make a difference in any of that.
I’d like to hear Jesus talk about what he sees going on now in our country. The Bible tells us that all things, 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. I would like to hear his thoughts on that one. I’m afraid he wouldn’t have much patience for that topic either.
I’d like to have a personal talk with Jesus about all the questions that swirl in my head.
I think I just did.
He said to trust him, to do the next right thing, to realize that he is connected to everything, and that he loves me. I think that is all I need to know on a Monday morning.
Let us pray: Dear Jesus, speak to us more deeply than words. Draw closer to us than our own selves. Use our eyes to see our lives and then tell us what you saw. Use our lives to touch the world today and then tell us it is enough. Let it be enough. Make us strong, patient, and persistent. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Daily Devotions 
November 21, 2016 at 6:46 pm |
But w/o Luther’s ideas and interpretation of scripture, where would we be today? How would our faith look different?
November 22, 2016 at 2:25 am |
Your words make my head whirl, but also make me smile. So much to ponder in life with Jesus and you nailed some of it. But your words of guidance are so helpful. You have said it before. In Him, we need to just do the next right thing. That might be a phone call, some serious praying, or cleaning up the kitchen or writing some cards and letters (yes, and email). Scary how many things could be the next right thing and maybe just whatever we see the most clearly is just fine.
Many thanks, as always.
By the way, I have a huge story to tell you, but it will take me some time and I need to know the best vehicle for sending. It can’t be public.
Virtual hugs to you and your loved ones,
Sharon