“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all
creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth,
visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or
authorities – all things were created through him and for him. And he is
before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the
head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from
the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in him all the
fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to
himself all things, whether on earth on in heaven, making peace by the
blood of his cross” – Colossians 1: 15-20
Christ is Lord over all
The theme of Colossians
is the supremacy of Christ, how he came to save sinners from our
absolute ruin and to restore us to life, how he has redeemed us,
allowing us to participate with him in his death, life, resurrection,
and about Christ being all and in all things with nothing out of his
reign of control.
Christ as King
We tend to think
our life is all about us. If you are a Christian, at times you’ve
probably thought you are God’s gift to humanity. But this text is saying
all things are about Jesus! Jesus, the image of the invisible God who
is slow in anger and abounding in steadfast love, who is kind, loving,
gracious, patient, just, consistent, and faithful, crushed for us, in
death on the cross. Because of sin all were doomed to die physically,
but Christ took on our sin so that we can live, making a new humanity,
with Jesus being the firstborn.
The scriptures go on to say that
everything was created through Jesus and for Jesus. Now, I know you are
thinking, “Was evil created for Jesus as well”? The answer is no. Evil
was created by man (as we see in Romans 1). God is a creator and he made
man in his image therefore making us mini creators. But we see in
scriptures that God takes what we meant for evil and turns it to good.
So everything in this universe is in submission to Christ; Governments,
kingdoms, angels, demons, and Satan all are in submission to God.
Is Christ King in your life?
We
see that Christ is in all and controls all things. (“Therefore there is
nothing out of his control”). How is this true for you? Is Christ the
reigning king in your life or is he an accessory? How often do think
about Jesus in all you do? Are you reminded of his faithfulness to you?
Do you think about how we are saved from internal ruin? Do you obey all
that he commanded? Now I want you to think about these and to be honest
with yourself. After evaluating, take these things to the Lord.
According to Colossians 1:11
we are “strengthen[ed] with all power.” That power comes from the
spirit. Don’t let this turn into condemnation but conviction. Because of
the spirit of God we are able to obey. Jesus conquers the sin that
leads to death and gives us life. Be encouraged to walk in the spirit.
Trust in Jesus’ work on the cross and let his love compel you to action.
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