Colossians 1:15-20
“I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.”
The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation; for in him all things in heaven and on earth were created, things visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or powers—all things have been created through him and for him. He himself is before all things, and in him all things hold together.
He is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that he might come to have first place in everything. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him God was pleased to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, by making peace through the blood of his cross.
Colossians 1:15-20
This passage is another early hymn either written or quoted by Paul in his letter to the Colossians. It describes the divine identity of Jesus through his role in creation and redemption.
Jesus is “the image of the invisible God.” When we look at Jesus, we see God. Write down a few characteristics of Jesus. How does he shape your understanding of God?
This passage proclaims Jesus as having “first place in everything.” What other things compete for first place in your life?
It says, “God was pleased to reconcile to himself all things.” Do you believe that God is pleased as he redeems the world? What would your life look like fully reconciled to God?
PRAYER FOR THIS WEEK
O Lord Jesus Christ
be near us to defend us,
within us to refresh us,
around us to protect us,
before us to guide us,
behind us to justify us,
and above us to bless us.
Amen.