Seeds for 1/18/2023 - Colossians 1:16
Scripture: “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.”
Observation: Two words in the verse today repeat and appear critical to hearing what Paul wants us to hear: “Him” and “all.” Repetition of a word or phrase is a good clue about what’s important in a biblical passage.
“Him” - Jesus is deeply central to the very beginning and whole of creation’s story. Paul says that all things were created in Him, through Him, and for Him. In Him—every living thing draws its alive-ness from Him (clunky, but what can I say—the profundity sometimes defies exposition). Through Him—the whole universe owes its very existence to Jesus, the tradesman from Nazareth. For Him—now this is perhaps even more interesting and amazing. As if creation is like a gift of the Father for the Son, perhaps like when I gave my son Lego kits that he built, but which were also for his enjoyment.
“All” - The scope of the Son’s influence is total and complete. Paul says all things were created in Christ. Then, in typical Hebrew fashion, he piles on the examples to make the point abundantly clear. All things in heaven and earth—yep, that’s everything all right. Visible and invisible—no loopholes here. Thrones, powers, rulers, authorities—this is a way of explicitly including anything that the Colossians, within their social/religious/cultural setting, would have been raised to think of as potentially rivaling Jesus’ preeminence and supremacy. Paul has swept out every corner, turned over every stone to make the point as clear as he can—absolutely nothing rivals Jesus.
Application: Is there anything that rivals Jesus’ influence in your life right now? Maybe not theoretically or intentionally, but functionally? How might you daily center yourself in Jesus?
Prayer: Jesus, “be the center. Be my source. Be my light.” Amen.*
*I’ve always loved this very simple, meditative song from Vineyard UK.
“But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.” (Matthew 13:23)
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