Colossians 1 - 3.4.26
Scripture
The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. 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 and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. (Col 1:15-20)
Observation
Some Bible scholars say that Colossians talk about the “Christ of the Church” just as Ephesians talk about the “Church of the Christ”. In the previous verses Paul reminds the readers that God rescued us from the dark power of Satan and brought us into the kingdom of his dear Son, who forgives our sins and sets us free (Col 1:13,14).
Paraphrasing the same verses from the CEV translation - Jesus is the image of God. He is the first-born Son, superior to all creation (v 15). Everything was created by him, everything in heaven and on earth, everything seen and unseen, including all forces and powers, and all rulers and authorities. All things were created by Him, and everything was made for Him (v16). And by Him, everything is held together. (v17)
He is the head of his body, which is the church. He is the very beginning, and the first to be raised from death, so that He would be above all others (v18). God himself was pleased to live fully in Him. (v 19) And God was pleased for Him to make peace by sacrificing His blood on the cross so that all beings in heaven and on earth would be brought back to God (v20)
Application
We have been redeemed by the blood of Jesus to live for Him. Our lives are not our own. It cost God everything to redeem us. It cost every drop of the blood of Jesus. As the Bible says in 1Cor 6:19-20, Our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in us, we are not your own; we were bought at a price. Therefore we need to honor God with your bodies. We are redeemed to fulfil His purpose and to glorify Him.
“What kind of people do we ought to be?” asks Peter in 2 Peter 3:11, after talking about the end-time judgement. He continues to say that we ought to live holy and Godly lives.
Let us examine our lives. We were created for Him. Are we living for Him? Are we seeking His kingdom and His righteousness above all (Matt 6:33)? Are we denying ourselves and taking up our cross and following Him everyday (Matt 16:24)? If not, let us repent and correct our lives.
Prayer
Dear Father, thank you for redeeming me. Thank you for buying me with the price of the blood of Jesus. I understand that you created everything seen and unseen for your Son. Jesus, you are above all things, and all things are created for you and you hold everything together. All things were created through you and for you. Lord, I bring my life to you one more time and I pray that you will show me anything in my life that does not glorify you. If there is any part of my life that I have not surrendered to you, please show me. I repent of anything that I have valued more than you. I am yours. You are my Lord. Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. (Ps 139:23-24). In Jesus’s name I pray. Amen.
- Asha Chacko George
