* The Image of...

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him.
Colossians 1:15-16 NKJV

Growing up, I always thought I was adopted... that is until I saw the picture of my maternal grandmother. Then I knew beyond the shadow of a doubt, that I was not. The image of my grandmother at 19 or 20 is uncannily my face at that same age. Isn't it funny - when a baby is first born, friends and family who are not on the scene always ask, "Who does she look like?" Well, in our case, our newest addition (my granddaughter) has her mama's sweet disposition and looks like her daddy. There's no doubt whose child she is. 

My granddaughter is 12 weeks old today and just got back from her first trip to the beach. There are lots of pictures and a few short video clips to record her actions and reactions. I look at the images and I'm mesmerized by the way her "today" face takes me back in time to the face of many yesterdays...

And as is often the case, every new thing she does is seen through new eyes for her parents (and grandparents) too. Watching her reaction to the water and white sand is like seeing it all for the first time and yet the number of times we've been to the beach cannot possibly be tallied. How wondrous it is to experience life anew, wouldn't you agree?

According to Scripture, that's the way it can be - and IS - when we choose to become a new creation in Christ! Old things are passed away and behold, all things have become new! (2nd Corinthians 5:17) And in Romans 8, we're told that we are conformed to the image of the Son (Jesus) who - according to our text for today - is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 

So when people look at us, what do they see? Are we the image of our Father? Do we look like Him? Act like Him? Is it easy to spot the resemblance? Is there any doubt whose child you are?

Prayer:

Father,
         Let our light - Your light inside of us -so shine before men, that they may see our good works and glorify You, Father, knowing Whose child we are. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen