God’s Truth for Trying Times - 4/9/20

We need God’s truth in trying times. Read the Scripture passage, think about what it is saying, then pray; by yourself or with your household. Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly (Col. 3:16).

READ: Colossians 1:15-20

“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 or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.” (Colossians‬ ‭1:15-20‬)

CONSIDER: Verse 15 says that Jesus is the image of God. He is the perfect likeness of God. The idea of representation and manifestation. He shows us what God is like. It also says he is the “firstborn of creation”, that emphasizes pre-existence and the uniqueness of Christ as well as his superiority over creation.

Verse 16 says by Christ all things were created. He is the sphere within which the work of creation takes place. All the laws and purposes which guide the creation and government of the universe reside in him. He is not in all things but all things are in Him and this difference is not insignificant. His is the Lordship. He is the ruling beginning. All things exist through him. Christ is the immediate instrument of creation. Everything created for Him. The rabbis taught that the world was created for the Messiah. Christ is the goal of creation.

Verse 17 says He is before all created things. He, and no other, is before all things. Priority in time or rank, here it is time. His immutability of existence. His existence is before all things. And in Him all things hold together. They are joined together because he holds the universe together. God himself is the unifying band which encompasses everything and hold it together. He’s the girdle or the belt of the universe. He is the superglue of the universe. Applies not only to the largest things but the smallest things.

Verse 18 says he is the beginning, the origin. Priority in time and originating power. He himself in all things holds the first place. He is first. He has first place. The firstborn of the dead means that his resurrection leads the way for all who will believe. He raised Lazarus from the dead, but Christ rising from the dead is the most significant resurrection because His death paid for our sins. He has the chief place.

Verse 19 says all God’s power and attributes, all the fullness of saving grace and power which belongs to the Savior is in Christ, takes up permanent residence in Him.

And one more thing, verse 20 says that He made peace to the blood of His cross. He exchanged hostility for friendship. To reconcile all things to Himself, the Maker of all things. He takes the fallen state of man and puts it back the right way. Puts us in right relationship to Him. To make peace means that He made reconciliation. This is not to be confused with a cosmic miracle which merely changes the state of the universe outside of man. This shows that reconciliation is primarily concerned with restoring relationships. He made war on sin so that we could have peace with God. Yet peace is more than an end to hostility. It has a positive bent and points to the presence of blessings - spiritual blessings and prosperity of the soul. Your soul is it peace, your soul is prospering in Christ. You’re not promised health and wealth. You have the riches of Christ. You are blessed in Christ. You have everything you need in Christ.

THINK: What does this declare about God? What are God’s people being called to do? What assurance is given? How does the Word of God transform our hearts and lives and relationships?

PRAY:‬‬ Pray these verses to God as a prayer. Pour out your heart in praise to God. Pray for others. Present needs to Him.