For in him all the Fullness was glad to dwell and through him to reconcile all to himself, making peace through the blood of his cross, through him—yes, things on the earth, and also the things in the heavens.     (Colossians 1:19-20 The New Testament for Everyone by N.T. Wright)

Reflections by Keith Funk 

Through the years, there is a saying I have sometimes used as I am about to preach, lead a bible study, or offering a presentation: “I can only serve what I am cooking.” At one level with this, I am expressing a personal weakness in what I know of myself i.e. I do not shift easily from topic to topic. At another level, some topics are worth further exploration. (How’s that for a handy bit of self-justification in what I am about to share with you for this week.)

Last week, I shared about God’s Peace Plan through reflection on the story of Peter and Cornelius in Acts chapter 10. I did so to offer a perspective regarding the Gospel that I think is often overlooked, namely, “the big picture” of God’s reconciliation through the cross of Jesus Christ. In this season of Eastertide, may we take some time to reflect on the enormity of God who dwelled in Christ and “through him reconcile[d] all to himself and making peace through the blood of his cross”, to quote the Apostle Paul.

In the mornings as I enter my study, I am greeted by a crucifix that hangs on the wall opposite my desk. It is easily in my line of vision when I look up from what I am doing. I cannot help but take moments to look, pause, and reflect on it throughout the day. Different thoughts come to mind. At one level, I may look at it giving thought to Jesus dying for my sins, for which I am most thankful. I may look at it again and think of our Lord’s suffering in the story of his passion and the immensity of love expressed in his suffering. Again, at another point, I find myself considering his call to his followers to take up their crosses and follow him. Sometimes, I will give thought to the various theories of atonement espoused by great thinkers and theologians through the ages. This symbol of the cross and its bearer represent in its simplicity an inexhaustible reality.

With all this and more, we come to apex and panorama this inexhaustible reality, that which is expressed by the Apostle Paul in his letter to the Colossians, “the reconciliation of all things on earth or in heaven, by making peace through the blood of his cross.” Just take some time to rest with this. Then think of it, what isn’t touched by this reconciliation? Oh, surely, this is just hyperbole on Paul’s part! No, I am sure Paul meant, “all things.” This is how he saw the world, through the lense of Jesus’ cross. Now for the challenging part, are we ready to see the world, and all others, in this way?

Oh, dear ones, may this be the vision we pursue. This is the reality of reconciliation in God’s big picture. May this become our big picture as well. If so, then we will begin to see that in every face we see there is none untouched by the reconciliation of the cross of Jesus.

Peace be with you.