Minute for the Day
I have written, quite a bit, on the extra biblical writings of antiquity. Specifically, those books referred to “Gnostic”. While, indeed, some of those books are definitely gnostic in intention, purpose and perspective, I have contended that many are shoved into the category for a lack of a better place to put them, and in some cases, out of a spite demonstrated by the ancient canonizers, e.g. Irenaeus and Athanasius. That said, our “roots” as believers in the Lord Jesus Christ must be the canonized scriptures, and for very good reason. The firsthand accounts of the Gospels, the history of Acts, the Epistles of Paul (who could be and is often referred to as having a firsthand experience with the risen Christ, albeit after the resurrection and ascension, but nonetheless, a firsthand experience).
One of the many passages that lends itself well to meshing with those extra biblical references, (or I could say the other way around) is Colossians.
Colossians 1:15-20
15 The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 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. 19 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 20 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.
In my mind this is all original proof. The extra biblicals are further proof. Now, here is the question that pops up in my mind. Why aren’t we, as believers in Jesus the Anointed One, more focused on this? Look, I am not suggesting that we be so heavenly minded that we are of no earthly good, but I am suggesting that we live with the mind set of focus beyond the moment, insofar as the way we live is concerned. Am I sounding puritanical, preachy and a bit judgmental? Sorry, but did you read this part:
17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.
Not a verse I hear quoted very often, but one that should absolutely not get past us. Of what could ever be of more primary concern than the one of whom this is said? Well, you got me, I can’t think of anything. What about you?
