Colossians 1:13-20
For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. 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.
John 1:1-5
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
John 1:10-15
He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God — children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God. The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John testified concerning him. He cried out, saying, “This is the one I spoke about when I said, ‘He who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’”)
Devotion
Paul now begins to lay the theological foundation for the supremacy of Christ. He begins this section by reminding his readers that “He (God) has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of the Son He loves.” Paul writes an indisputable truth concerning God and His purpose in sending His Son into this world. God sent Jesus to rescue us from our fallen sinful state. When we put our faith in the person and work of Christ, we are “transferred into the kingdom” of God’s Son. Through Christ, God delivers us from Satan’s domain.
Now Paul writes some pretty important truths concerning the person and work of Christ. First, he writes that Jesus “is the image of the invisible God.” Here Paul presents Jesus as the Christ, the Creator of the Universe. The word “image” means an exact representation. According to Paul and John, Jesus is God! Jesus who was with God from the beginning, took upon Himself flesh, came into this world, and revealed the Father to us.
According to Paul, this same Jesus was the active agent in creation. Jesus made everything! Not only did He create the universe and everything in it but, “by Him all things hold together.” Jesus sustains His creation. These are some important truths, but more importantly is what comes next.
In verse eighteen, Paul writes, “He (Jesus) is also 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.” Christ is supreme over all creation because He is the Creator. He made everything. He sustains everything. He rules supreme over everything. These truths are meant to combat the first century heresy known as Gnosticism.
It is one thing to say that Jesus is a central figure in human history. It carries more weight to say that Jesus is supreme above all things. Many Christians live their lives in full acknowledgement of the centrality of Christ, but very few Christians live their lives acknowledging that Jesus is supreme above all things.
Paul then writes, “For God was pleased to have all His fullness dwell in Him (Jesus).” Here Paul is conveying that the entirety of God’s being would reside in the Son. God took pleasure in this because, through Christ, God would reconcile the world to Himself on the cross. Paul will close out this section by reminding his readers of the effective work of Christ. God reconciled everything to Himself “by making peace through His (Jesus’) blood on the cross.”
So, as we can see, Paul clearly emphasizes the person and work of Christ. If Jesus is not supreme, then His work means nothing, and we are still alienated from God. Because He is supreme, His work on the cross has the power to transfer us from the domain of darkness into the kingdom of light!
Questions to Ponder
Why does Paul emphasize the person and work of Christ so early in this letter? Why is Jesus’ identity so important? What is the difference between the centrality of Christ and the supremacy of Christ? Have you been reconciled to God by putting your faith in the person and work of Christ?
Prayer Points (taken from 1 John 1:1-4 and Col. 1:15-20)
- Soak in the reality of His Truth and let praise overflow from your heart. Praise Him for being eternal God, the One who in the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through Him all things were made; without Him nothing was made that has been made. In Him was life, and that life was the light of men (John 1:1-4).
- Praise the LORD for being the image of the invisible God and the Firstborn over all creation.
- Praise Him, for by Him all things were created, things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible. Whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities, all things were created by Him and for Him.
- Praise: He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. Praise Him for being the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning and Firstborn from among the dead so that in everything He might have the supremacy.
- Praise Him, 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.
Suggested Prayer
King of Glory, everlasting Father, wonderful Counselor, my Savior and Friend,
Thank You, Lord, for my own salvation. Thank You for rescuing me from the dominion of darkness and for bringing me into the kingdom of Jesus Christ, whom You love and in whom I have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. Help me to always have a thankful heart for the rich eternal blessings You have given me for now and for the age to come. Let Your love inside of me flow in and through all I come in contact with today. Deliver me from my selfishness, wanting control and independence. I’m sorry, Lord. Forgive me for being passive when it comes to You. Teach me by Your Spirit to please You in all things.
Father of every good gift, I ask that You would infill me and the precious saints in the land with Your Holy Spirit today. I ask that we all would be compelled by Your love to joyfully share and show the love of our Savior to those around us. Help us to make the most of every opportunity You give us. Give us favor and lead us in the way of love. I ask that You would continue to help us to abide in You, yield to You, Holy Spirit, and walk in the light. In the name of Jesus Christ, I ask. Amen.