15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. 17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent.19 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.
21 And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, 22 he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him, 23 if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister.
Reflection
- Chapter in a Glance: Without Christ, Christianity is nothing. Paul offered prayers for the Colossians (vv3-14), and made a profound affirmation of Christ’s supremacy (vv15-23) and his living presence in the believer (vv24-29).
- We often hear: “All roads lead to Rome. Everyone is eventually going to the same place. How can Christians say Jesus is the only way to God?” What is your response?
- In this passage, Paul adamantly declared Christ’s supremacy over every being and every idea. It is the central truth of Christian faith. Christ is Lord over all creation and is the reconciler between God and his creation. Our lives are built upon it, shaped in every way by it. Through Christ’s reconciliation we may be given back to God holy, blameless, and irreproachable. God is the all-powerful ruler of heaven and earth. God expresses his supreme power in this world in the person of Jesus. God still expresses His supreme power in this world – through us!
- Silently reread verses 21-23, inserting your name every time Paul says you. What emotion, phrases, or thoughts come to you? What insight do you have about Jesus Christ, your new life in Him? Talk to God, wait and listen to Him speaking to you.
Prayer & Journaling:
Stay with God for a little longer. Continue to converse with God and listen to what he wants to tell you.
If you have a prayer journal, as you listen to God, write down a few thoughts, questions, words, names, drawings, or anything that has come to your mind during this time.
Family Time (Begin this time by reading the passage above using a children’s Bible. If your children are younger, you may read vv15-18 only.)
Paul reminds us that Christ began the work of the church on earth. Today, believers usually carry on that work through a local church organization. How much do you know about your local church? As a family talk to a long-time member of the church who can tell you some of the church history.
Proverbs for Today 22:19-21
19 That your trust may be in the Lord,
I have made them known to you today, even to you.
20 Have I not written for you thirty sayings
of counsel and knowledge,
21 to make you know what is right and true,
that you may give a true answer to those who sent you?