THE image

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Scripture

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.
(Colossians 1:15 NASB)
He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything.
(Colossians 1:18 NASB)
For it was the Father’s good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him,
(Colossians 1:19 NASB)
and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross; through Him, I say, whether things on earth or things in heaven.
(Colossians 1:20 NASB)

Observation

We tend to throw around the terms "image" and "likeness" from time to time but it is in this letter to the Colossians that it is made abundantly clear that THE image is Jesus Christ. God sent His son to be the visible image of the invisible God. This is THE image that we are to be reflecting to the world around us. The visible representation of God is seen as the head of the Church. Today, we may feel that the "Bride of Christ" suffers from some warts and age spots, and yet, the Church serves a special and unique role as His bride. Jesus is the groom who lovingly awaits His bride. Shouldn't we be lovingly caring for and preparing His bride for the wedding day which lies ahead? Shouldn't the bride be a reflection of THE image as well?

Christ is THE image of all things -- for all creation, visible and invisible is found in Him. He is also the first one who was physically born to be resurrected into the new future which God, in Christ, is preparing for all of us. In this way the future is already here, and yet, not completely. As His "image bearers," we are to be a reflection of the future hope of the Kingdom of God in this world today.

Application

The hope of Jesus Christ which is found in THE image is what the world needs so desperately. The words "peace" and "reconciliation" resound in my ears. What would it be like if we, His "image bearers" were reflecting His peace and reconciliation to the world around us? Would that make a difference today in the mall, on the road, or in the office? As His followers, we are to seek His face, and if we keep our face turned toward His face, we will be a reflection of THE image to the world. In ancient Greek understanding the reflection was much more than just skin deep. The reflection represented a "real" change of the object that was reflecting the original image. That must be true for us as well. We are to be a reflection of THE image but we are to be genuinely changed, ourselves. So today, THE image is also to reside in our homes, bringing peace and reconciliation to hurt and broken relationships. If this were true, if all of Christianity were to be a reflection of THE image, the world would be dramatically changed. It is the challenge to all Christ followers, to seek His face and be His "image bearers" to the world!

Prayer

Lord, may I seek Your face day and night and help me to be Your image bearer this day. Amen.

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