Day 32: Colossians 1:16
Devotional
READ COLOSSIANS 1:16
We all have those moments when we’re fascinated by creation. We look at the vast world around us and find ourselves amazed by what we see. Maybe you enjoy hiking up in the mountains or gazing at the ocean as waves crash on the shore. Either way, something about those places tends to stir up some emotion in us. I know it does for me. As long as people have walked the earth, they’ve stared in wonder at the world around us. That wonder stirs up a desire in each of us to worship something.
When Paul wrote to the Colossians, he wrote to a group of people diverse in what they worshiped. He wrote to people familiar with worshiping objects like the sun, moon and stars. He wrote to people who had worshipped angels and other spiritual beings. He also wrote to his fellow Jews who worshipped the God of the Old Testament that we’ve seen creating in Genesis 1 and 2. As you come to this section in Colossians, you’ll notice some appropriate headings that have been added to your Bible. My NASB titles this section “The Incomparable Christ”. Paul wrote Colossians, and especially this section, to highlight the preeminence and all-sufficiency of Jesus.
How does that tie into creation? You see it here in Colossians 1:16. By Him all things were created, meaning he’s the sphere in which creation happened. All things were created through him and for him, meaning Jesus is the agent and purpose or goal of creation. Everything we read about creation in Genesis 1 and 2 happened through Jesus because of Jesus and for Jesus. Not only that. Jesus’ role in creation means there’s no place in heaven or on earth where he’s not there. There’s not a person or spiritual being that isn’t under his authority.
Today, as you observe the creation around you with all its beauty AND all that seems to be out of control with it, know that it all exists in Christ, for Him, and through Him. That’s why we worship Him.
We all have those moments when we’re fascinated by creation. We look at the vast world around us and find ourselves amazed by what we see. Maybe you enjoy hiking up in the mountains or gazing at the ocean as waves crash on the shore. Either way, something about those places tends to stir up some emotion in us. I know it does for me. As long as people have walked the earth, they’ve stared in wonder at the world around us. That wonder stirs up a desire in each of us to worship something.
When Paul wrote to the Colossians, he wrote to a group of people diverse in what they worshiped. He wrote to people familiar with worshiping objects like the sun, moon and stars. He wrote to people who had worshipped angels and other spiritual beings. He also wrote to his fellow Jews who worshipped the God of the Old Testament that we’ve seen creating in Genesis 1 and 2. As you come to this section in Colossians, you’ll notice some appropriate headings that have been added to your Bible. My NASB titles this section “The Incomparable Christ”. Paul wrote Colossians, and especially this section, to highlight the preeminence and all-sufficiency of Jesus.
How does that tie into creation? You see it here in Colossians 1:16. By Him all things were created, meaning he’s the sphere in which creation happened. All things were created through him and for him, meaning Jesus is the agent and purpose or goal of creation. Everything we read about creation in Genesis 1 and 2 happened through Jesus because of Jesus and for Jesus. Not only that. Jesus’ role in creation means there’s no place in heaven or on earth where he’s not there. There’s not a person or spiritual being that isn’t under his authority.
Today, as you observe the creation around you with all its beauty AND all that seems to be out of control with it, know that it all exists in Christ, for Him, and through Him. That’s why we worship Him.
Personal Reflection
- How does your perspective on creation change when you consider that Jesus was there from the beginning?
- Does Jesus being above every throne, ruler, dominion and authority bring you comfort? Why or why not?
Posted in The Beginning Devotionals
5 Comments
Such an appropriate Scripture for Election Day!
Great reminder that Christ is above it all. All Creation is for, by and through Him. Our Hope rest in Christ. Thanks Lnace
Having just returned from walking the steps of Paul, I can see these new Christian’s huddled around this letter as Paul teaches them who Jesus is! He is much more than a man. He is God! All things were created through him, for him. He is above all things and holds all things together. What an eye opening concept for this mixture of young believers from different cultures. What hope as they, and us, walk with Jesus into the unknown future.
It very much brings me comfort knowing the King of all Kings is the One who invited us into His presence. This is an eternal reward He has gifted us. Thank you, God!
Before knowing and understanding Gods character and the depth of his love I feared him and the consequences of my imperfections and mistakes. Now, It is a comfort and relief to know that no matter what there is someone who I can trust completely. The Creator of all things! The Omnipotent, Omniscient, and Omnipresent God whose greatest desire is to have a relationship with me, so He can SANCTIFY ME, LOVE ME AND BE LOVED BY ME!!! What a privilege!