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Colossians 1:15-17 - JESUS the GOD-MAN.

Colossians 1:15-17 (NLT) Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation, 16 for through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can't see - such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world. Everything was created through him and for him. 17 He existed before anything else, and he holds all creation together.

INTRODUCTION

   This is one of the strongest statements about the divine nature of Christ found anywhere in the Bible. Jesus is not only equal with God (Philippians 2:6), he is God (John 10:30, 38; 12:45; 14:1-11); as the visible image of the invisible God, he is the exact representation of God. He not only reflects God, but he reveals God to us (John 1:18; 14:9); as supreme over all creation, he has all the priority and authority of the firstborn prince in a king's household. He came from heaven, not from the dust of the earth like Adam (1 Corinthians 15:47), and he rules as Lord of all (Romans 9:5; 10: 11-13; Revelation 1:5; 17:14). He is completely holy (Hebrews 7:26-28; 1 Peter 1:19; 2:22; 1 John 3:5), and he has authority to judge the world (Romans 2:16; 2 Corinthians 5:10; 2 Timothy 4:1). Because Christ created all and rules all creation, including the spirit world, we must believe in the deity of Jesus Christ (that Jesus is God). Without this core belief, our Christian faith becomes hollow, misdirected, and meaningless. We must oppose the belief that Jesus was merely a prophet, a good teacher, or one of many ways to a relationship with God.
   God not only created the world but also sustains it. In him, everything is held together, protected, and prevented from disintegrating into chaos. Do you ever feel as though your world is falling apart? Because God, through Christ, sustains all life, none of us are beyond the reach of his love and care. Seek his binding power in your family and church and in your thoughts and emotions. [Life Application SB 2019]

COMMENTARY PEARL

Made By And For God
   In His Well-Known book The Knowledge of the Holy, theologian A. W. Tozer said, "What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us."
   Tozer didn't need to know the ins and outs of your story or mine because he knew what God says about us in Colossians 1:16, where we find the cornerstone of this truth.
   First, you were made by God. He is your source of origin. You didn't make yourself. You didn't happen randomly or by some cosmic accident. Since God made you, you are incredibly important, valuable, and prized.
   Second, you were made for God. That's your central purpose on planet Earth now and into forever. The reason He made you was so you could connect with Him in a vital relationship.
   Since we were made by God and for God, our hearts search for the God whom we were made by and for. Our souls want to respond to Him. If you are feeling that tug, lean into Him. He is closer than you can imagine, and He wants to satisfy you today.
   Dear Father, You have imbued purpose and design into my life. May I seek You with all I have. [Grace and Glory by Louie Giglio]

CLOSING PEARL

   I stared at the bracelet I'd crafted. Loose enough to dangle without catching on things, its leaf-shaped green and blue beads made me smile. Like most of the projects I do, this one wasn't perfect. Still, it reflected my personality in a whimsical way.
   Creativity isn't always easy for me. My craft room holds a closet full of quirky attempts, the shelves graced with half-finished works. But those times when my crafts come together well make all the efforts worth it. Because underneath it all, even with shaky lines and the glue blobs, it's fun.
   Jesus is the King of Creation. Everything He's made is exactly the way He intended. There are no mistakes, and nothing is kept hidden in a closet or drawer. The graceful impala, the regal lion, the comical penguin - all are exactly right in His eyes. Even me.
   Some days, when things aren't going according to plan, I need to remind myself that He's not finished with me yet. Parts of me might require more glue to keep from falling apart, and an ordinary place or two could benefit from sparkles. Jesus is hard at work on me and in me, and I wait with anticipation to see His finished product - me - to be revealed in heaven. Heidi Gaul [Mornings With Jesus 2024 Devotional by Guideposts and Zondervan]

LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY

Colossians 1:15-17 - JESUS the GOD-MAN.
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2020/20201224-0907.html

Colossians 1:15-17 - To Know Your Purpose, Ask Your Creator.
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2024/20240427-0829.html

John 1:1 - Jesus Is God.
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2025/20250518-1332.html

LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT

https://abible.com/links/