Colossians 1:15

New International Version (NIV)

The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.

For meditation

Three more days, and we will be riding in a brand New Year – 2017. If it were a car we are anticipating owning, we may have bought or arranged for it already. But the New Year is not for sale. It is a gift from its Manufacturer – Jesus Christ. If 2017 were a car, we would have googled and thoroughly familiarized ourselves with its specifications. It would have been on display at all dealerships, and we may have test-driven it.

Unfortunately, 2017 cannot be known that way. It cannot be displayed or advertised anywhere. It is as unknown as another day and a mystery until we have lived it. It promises us nothing and makes no claims in a bid to steal our hearts. It has only its Maker for us to look up to; first, for the leasehold, and second, for duration of use. Each day has its inherent blessings and challenges that no one can know until they unfold and we are given the opportunity to live them. It is a ride of uncertainty, unless its Maker is the driver. It is a journey of futility, if Jesus is not given His rightful place in it. That’s what Leonardo da Vinci meant when he said that Christ alone must be preeminently seen in all his work.

Leonardo had asked his artist friend to inspect and criticize his masterpiece, “The Last Supper.” The friend admired the painting until his critical eye caught something none of us may have seen as a flaw.

“You have painted the chalice on the table with exquisite beauty. It is the most beautiful thing in the whole picture and captivates the eyes of the beholder,” the friend said.

Deliberately taking his brush, da Vinci wiped out the superlatively beautiful cup, saying: “It is Christ who must be preeminently seen as the center of my painting.” The famous artist understood the essence of life and how to live it.

Life is all about Christ. As Paul says in his famous doxology: “For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things” (Rm. 11:36). That’s why Christ must be preeminent in our lives if we are going to enter and live through 2017.

1. Do you know that Christ is the Creator and Sustainer of all things, seen and unseen (Col. 1:15-20)?
2. Do you that 2017 belongs to Him and that He alone can authorize our leasehold to it?
3. Are you aware that Christ is the only One who knows what 2017 holds for us?
4. How about the fact that Christ is the only person who can help us to successfully navigate through the coming year?
5. Do you see why Christ is the Key to 2017 and must be preeminent in everything?

I pray that Christ is so highly exalted in your heart and mind.

So: May you receive grace to enter 2017; and may Christ Jesus steer your life to the destination where His blessings await you.

Your key to 2017 is Christ Jesus and Him alone.

Shalom