While some would argue for beginning at the beginning, Genesis, I think we need to start before the beginning. As I wrestle through the driving force for my doctrine that drives us to mission I think we must look at one person:
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. (Colossians 1:15-20 ESV)
This is the hymn from Colossians 1. It is an incredible statement of who Christ is. There is so much here that we cannot possibly dive into and digest all of it. First, we need to understand that Paul was pointing out that Jesus is the real emperor. The phrases and descriptors used here are those that were also ascribed to Caesar. Paul subverts the Empire and calls Jesus out as the real king.
Consider what is true of Jesus, he is the image of the invisible God. If we want to see God we look at Jesus. He is the creator, he is the ultimate authority, and he is the preeminent one.
It doesn't stop there. Jesus made peace. Pax Christus versus Pax Romana. One was brought through crucifixion and the other through war and violence.
Peace and reconciliation though are not for just people. It is an all encompassing reconciling for the entirety of creation. The life, death, and resurrection of Jesus then must be the central lens through which we understand all things.
Alan Hirsch says it well, "Jesus is Lord."
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