Hebrews 1:1-4 – Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.
THEME OF THE DAY: CHRIST: OUR ALL IN ALL. If someone were to ask you, “Define the Christian life in one sentence, one short sentence”, how would you answer? Here is mine, “Christianity is a life-long love affair with Jesus Christ who gave His life for me that I might give mine to Him.”
The Apostle Paul wrote to the Colossians, “Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all” (Colossians 3:11). Note his closing words – “Christ is all, and in all.” Philip Henry, the father of the great commentator Matthew Henry, wrote a 380 page book on Colossians 3:10. The book is actually forty-one chapters based on a series of sermons he preached. One of his four daughters wrote these words in her journal . . .
“1697. Sabbath. January 10. The day and the evening before I spent some time in reading my dear father’s sermons on Colossians 3:10, ‘Christ is all and in all.’ With this he concludes that subject which he was so long upon, namely, what Christ is to true believers in forty particulars. He is their Foundation, Food, Root, Raiment, Head, Hope, Refuge, Righteousness. What can be added? He is our all – our all in all – both in respect of the benefits we have by him – election, creation, conversion, justification, consolation, teaching, redemption, strength – at death, in judgment to eternity. In all these Christ is all in all. He is all in all to be known, chosen, loved, desired, delighted in, trusted, thought of, followed, preached. He is all in all in the Scriptures, in the sacraments, in Sabbaths, in praying. Blessed be God for these sweet, wholesome truths to be food for my poor soul.”
Henry’s daughter whose name only appears in his memoirs as “Mrs. Savage”, ended this brief section of her autobiography with these words of her father, “His was always full of Christ, Christ, Christ. Methinks I hear him still: Oh, make Christ your all!”
Friends, is this true of us? Is Christ our all in all? In times of trouble, do we look to Christ? In times of need, do we look to Christ? In times of sorrow, do we look to Christ? In times of prosperity, do we look to Christ? In today’s scripture, we find the Father making it clear He would speak to us no longer as in the times of the prophets, but in His Son. Jesus is the final word and revelation of God. To make Him our all in all is both the Father’s will and need. Be careful not to have a Christianity characterized more with vague references and belief in God. Even the devils believe in God. Yes, we have a relationship with a Triune God and we are to enjoy fellowship with each member – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, but it is the Son who is the final word and revelation to us. Our lives are to be consumed and walked with a living Christ; a love affair of obedience to a living Christ. This really does define the Christian life and leads to a life of joy, peace, and fruitfulness for Him who so loved us and is willing to be our all in all.
PRAYER: “Father, I praise You for giving me all I need for now and eternity in Your Son.”
QUOTE: “Think much on Christ and we will make much of Christ”.