Wednesday 18 August 2021

Psalm 44:1-8

Background

On Monday we reflected on Mary bearing Christ as her son. Jesus was fully human and knew and understood the rhythms, joys and sorrows of human life. We thank God for coming into our world as Jesus and living life as we know it.

Here in Colossians, Paul reminds us that although Jesus was fully human, dying and rising "in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell." (verse 19)

 I am privileged to be father to two wonderful grown-up children. They bring my wife Helen and I immense joy and pride as we watch and support them making their way in the world. They both have elements of Helen and I: a certain look, a way of thinking, an attitude. Nevertheless, they are fully themselves in every way. Jesus came to live our human life. The creator become (for a while) created whilst also having a distinctive Godliness and perfection that set him apart. In him the fullness of God was pleased to dwell.

 And it is entirely because of Jesus’ inhabiting humanity that he was able to "make peace through the blood of his cross" (v. 20).

We thank God for the supremacy of the human and divine Jesus which gave birth to the living hope that is offered to everyone who turns to him.

To Ponder:

• Listen to ‘From heav’n you came’ by Graham Kendrick.
• What does it mean to you that Jesus was fully human and fully divine?
• How do you understand 'the fullness' of God?
• In what way do you think the ways of Jesus can be seen in you?

Prayer

Jesus, thank you for living the life I live, for understanding the pleasures and the pains of day-to-day life. Help me to know your presence and trust you more. Amen.