The fullness of the deity dwells bodily
by Pastor Tim Castle-Schmidt
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For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, and you have come to fullness in him, who is the head of every ruler and authority (Colossians 2:9,10).
Read Colossians 2:8–23
This week, we have been reflecting on the humanness of Jesus and pondering what that means for those of us who are now part of his body. But here, in Colossians 2, Paul equally asserts Jesus’ divinity: ‘for in him the whole fullness of the deity dwells bodily’. Jesus’ divinity is just as important as his humanity, and, in both Jesus’ humanity and divinity, he is the head of every leader. Here, Paul pulls together the importance of Jesus’ two natures, and then in verses 16–19, he goes on to explain the consequences of this.
Those of us who are the body of Christ are freed to take on leadership in the world and allow Jesus to lead through us. But even more radical than that, Jesus rules through all leaders, sometimes even through evil leaders. And yet, it is our responsibility (and privilege) to discern the intent and direction of human leaders so that we don’t obey them blindly but are empowered as Jesus’ body to hold them to account.
May God work in us and through us as we help all leaders to make good choices for all humanity.
Lord Jesus, in you, the fullness of the deity dwells bodily, and yet we are your body. Work through us so that we may cause our leaders to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with you. Amen.
Tim Castle-Schmidt is the pastor of Onkaparinga Lutheran Parish in the Adelaide Hills. After spending many years as a teacher in Lutheran schools, he finally listened to God’s call to the pastoral ministry. Tim is passionate about social justice and engaging the church with contemporary society. Tim shares his life with Fiona, Miranda, a Jack Russell called Otto and 11 chooks. By his own admission, Tim Castle-Schmidt is a broken man. Broken in body, mind and spirit, he is learning that God is at work in and through human brokenness. For while God has not ‘fixed’ him, God continues to work through his brokenness to connect with the world.
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