The Centerpiece of All We Believe

I like The Message (The Bible in Contemporary Language by Eugene H. Peterson). Hebrews 3 begins with "So, my dear Christian friends, companions in following this call to the heights, take a good hard look at Jesus. He's the centerpiece of everything we believe, faithful in everything God gave him to do." I thought much about this idea of Jesus being the centerpiece. This morning I shared some of my thoughts with my Sunday School class, using this visual aid, a centerpiece made by my friend, Toni. Here are some of my thoughts:

1. A centerpiece grabs your attention.

2. It sets the tone, gives the theme. (In my centerpiece, what is the obvious theme? Are you surprised? )

3. It draws all eyes to it. (Jesus said, "If I be lifted up, I will draw all men to myself.")

4. It is the focal point, the focus, the center of attention. We are to "fix our eyes upon Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith." (Hebrews 12:2)

5. It is set up on display very deliberately, on purpose, not accidentally.

6. It is always set in the center, in a prominent position where everyone can see it, not in a closet.

7. It seems to invite you to celebrate.

8. It makes you want it. (This one encourages you to reach out and take some grapes.)

Can you see the parallels? Interesting. Are you making Christ the center of your life? Are His characteristics in you apparent to those around you?