Weekly devotional: Christ is all (4 in Paul’s letters to Timothy series)

The oldest surviving panel icon of Christ Pantocrator, encaustic on panel, c. 6th century.

Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these instructions so that, if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth. Beyond all question, the mystery from which true godliness springs is great: He appeared in the flesh, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory (1 Timothy 3:14–16).

As Paul moves from his opening remarks to addressing the false teaching that had been abounding in the church at Ephesus, he doesn’t want to lose sight of Jesus. Theologians differ in their views over the form and structure of the hymn of praise in verse 16, but the content is clear – the second person of the Trinity shapes our faith and practice. We may not fully understand the mystery of God becoming man and returning to heaven, but we know that through his dwelling in us we can bear the fruit of goodness and godliness.

Take a moment to consider the words of the ancient song, such as Jesus appearing in the flesh. As the opening of John’s gospel puts it, “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14). Our God through Jesus is fully acquainted with the feelings we experience, such as joy and grief.

The rest of the hymn also reflects his dual nature of God and man. For instance, as a man he has been preached amongst the nations and believed by millions around the world. In terms of him being God, angels have seen him and he was taken from earth into heaven.

How does Jesus being both divine and human affect you?

For reflection: “The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world… Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:9, 12).