Colossians 1:15-20: He is the image of the
invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things
in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or
authorities; all things were created by him and for him. 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 and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the
supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to
reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making
peace through his blood, shed on the cross. Colossians 3:15-17: Let the
peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to
peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and
admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs
with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it
all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
We exist in between-time, between the creation and corruption of the
universe and the eventual restoration of all things. That which had begun suitable,
harmonious, and integrated will again be so. We should bear in mind the expansive
borders of this. Christ's great work of restoration is not just for the deliverance
of individuals but for the renewal of all things. It is comprehensive. Every
area of life is Christ's and will finally succeed in its purpose only in Christ.
His peace, his shalom, will bring us again to all the universe was intended to
be.
We who exist in this between-time must orient all our lives towards
that future promise. All things in our work and play must again be suitable,
harmonious, and integrated. The goal is lofty -- the complete sanctification of our
minds, words, deeds, and communities. We cannot do this alone; rather, we are to
work out the craft of our language within that divine fellowship, which he has chosen to
model the vivid life that God will return to his world. The Church, the People of
God, are to overflow with these pleasant, enriching, loving words, and in speaking and
singing, we enact Christ's shalom. Tragically, we too often fall short of
this state, but when we do live up to it, we experience a foretaste of what a restored
creation will be in full. For us, the task of making our words true, good, and
beautiful is an act of faith and hope that God will make all things new. |