Last week, Paul gave us the good news – that as believers in Jesus Christ, God rescued us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the Kingdom of Jesus! Wow!!! I hope that truth has just permeated in your hearts and minds all week. I absolutely love this next section of the Book of Colossians, and I will let it do most of the talking. After Paul explains that God rescued believers from the darkness and transferred believers into Jesus’ Kingdom, he breaks out in praise for Jesus Christ! Paul cannot control himself from the excitement of who Jesus is and what He has done. Look with me at Colossians 1:15-23:
15 “He (Jesus Christ) is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn (or has first place in) of all creation. 16 For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him. 17 He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. 18 He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything. 19 Forit was the Father’s good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him, 20 and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross; through Him, I say, whether things on earth or things in heaven.21 And although you were formerly alienated and hostile in mind, engaged in evil deeds,22 yet He has now reconciled you in His fleshly body through death, in order to present you before Him holy and blameless and beyond reproach— 23 if indeed you continue inthe faith firmly established and steadfast, and not moved away from the hope of the gospel that you have heard, which was proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, was made a minister” (NASB).
Last week, I told you that Jesus Christ is referred to more than 70 times in the 4 short chapters in the Book of Colossians. Although we don’t have time to unpack these 9 verses fully, let’s look a few things that Paul says about Jesus: 1) He is God, 2) He has created all things in heaven and earth whether you can see it or not, 3) He was before everything, 4) He holds everything together even now, 5) He is the head of the church, 6) He beat death (the firstborn from the dead), 7) One day He will come to have first place in EVERYTHING, and 8) He made peace through his death on the cross. Jesus is indeed supreme over everything and so worthy of all our praise! Why don’t you just stop right now and take a few minutes to praise Jesus Christ for who He is and what He has done! Marvel at His greatness!
And how does Paul finish this section of praise – continue in the faith firmly established and steadfast, and don’t be moved from the hope of the gospel you have heard! That is my challenge for each one of us this week – continue in your faith firmly established and steadfast, and don’t be moved from the hope of the Gospel!
Next week Paul reveals the greatest of mysteries! I can’t wait for you to see it! Hope to see you next Monday.