Serving the High Plains
Serving the High Plains
We’ve had spring-like weather for awhile now, but that was only a sign of the reality of spring that’s now come about. Now, trees are sprouting leaves indicating that summer is approaching (Luke 21:29-30; bookmark that passage, we’ll be there again; read all the passages cited, placing more bookmarks when indicated).
We’ve been studying Colossians at church and one sermon point was that Jesus is the image of God (Colossians 1:15; Hebrews 1:3). The Greek word for image was eikon, which prompted a couple of thoughts about our relationship with Jesus and how an image represents something, but I also thought about the concept of an icon on my computer screen that takes me where I want to go – to the program I want to open when I click on the icon.
An icon is a sign, image, or representation of something, much like the idols worshipped in the Old Testament were images of the god, but not the god itself (Romans 1:21-23; Revelation 13:1-17; 14:9-11). Similarly, the Mosaic law was only a shadow (eikon) of what was to come (Hebrews 10:1). But, Jesus is more than such a mere image of God – he’s the reality of God and as perfect (John 1:1-2; 10:30; 14:7-11, keep your Bible open to John 14 and bookmark it).
Like clicking on a computer icon, Jesus is the connecting point between us and God, the Father (John 14:5-6; Acts 4:12; Ephesians 2:11-18; Romans 5:1-5). To get connected with the Father, we must have his Spirit, who he gives to those who obey him (Acts 5:32; 2:38-39; 14:15-21; Romans 8:5-9; Galatians 3:26-29; 4:6-7). Even Jesus had to learn obedience and fulfill the requirements of righteousness so he could be made perfect (raised from the dead in his case) and be able to make us perfect (Matthew 3:13-17; Hebrews 5:7-9; 10:14; Philippians 2:5-8, Ephesians 5:25-27; Romans 6:3-7; 3:21-26).
While we cannot become perfect without God’s grace and the indwelling of his Spirit, that doesn’t mean that we have no responsibility in attaining perfection (Matthew 5:48; Colossians 3:5-10; 2 Corinthians 3:12-14; 4:1-4). We must submit to God’s will and allow him to do the work (Roman12:1-2; Philippians 2:12-16; 3:1-16; Colossians 2:8-13; 1 Peter 1:22-25; 3:21)
As Jesus is the icon who takes us to God when we click with him, the miracles he performed, none of which were denied at the time (John 9:1-4; 10:31-38; Acts 4:5-16; Hebrews 2:1-4) and the proof of his death, burial, and resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:1-8) are among the signs that he’ll return to bring salvation (eternal life) to those who’ve obeyed him in this life (John 20:30-31; Hebrews 9:27-27; 1 Corinthians 11:23-36; Luke 21:25-31). While our perfection is in progress, it won’t be fully attained until Jesus returns (1 John 3:1-3).
Do you recognize the signs – the proofs – of the reality of Jesus and his imminent return? Like inserting bookmarks as I’ve indicated, life is much better if we pay attention to what God has revealed.
Leonard Lauriault writes about faith for the Quay County Sun. Contact him at