But it is quite common for those who consider him truly important to include others who seem to be equally important in his company–Buddha, Moses, Socrates, and Muhammad for a historical start, along with some personal favorites. For these people, Jesus is important, but not central; his prestige is considerable, but he is not, preeminent.

The Christians in the town of Colosse, or at least some of them, seem to have been taking this line. (Sound familiar?) For them, cosmic forces of one sort or another were getting equal billing with Jesus. Paul writes to them in an attempt to restore Jesus, the Messiah, to the center of their lives. (We need another Paul? for today?)

The way he makes his argument is as significant as the argument he makes. Claims for the uniqueness of Jesus are common enough. But such claims about Jesus are frequently made with an arrogance that is completely incompatible with Jesus himself. Sometimes the claims are enforced with violence.

But Paul, although unswervingly confident in the conviction that Christ occupies the center of creation and salvation without peers, is not arrogant. And he is certainly not violent. He argues from a position of rooted humility. He writes with the energies of most considerate love. He exhibits again what Christians have come to appreciate so much in Paul–the wedding of a brilliant and uncompromising intellect with a heart that is warmly and wonderfully kind.

For our day, we had Billy Graham. With humility and graciousness, he tirelessly and uncompromisingly told the nations about God the Father and Jesus Christ His Son, our Savior and our Lord.

Who will tell them today? Let us express what we know about Christ with the heart of Paul. With God’s help, let us be gracious and loving as we tell others of His Grace that is for everyone. There is no room for arrogance. Give Life. Extend the grace that has so lovingly been extended to us.

In Jesus Name, Amen