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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 to God (Philip. 2:6), he 'is' God (John 10:30, 38; 12:45; 14:1-11); as the 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 the firstborn 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 (1 Cor. 15:47), and he is Lord of all (Romans 9:5; 10:11-13; Rev. 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 Cor. 5:10; 2 Tim. 4:1). Therefore, Christ is supreme over all creation, including the spirit world. We, like the Colossian believers, must believe in the deity of Jesus Christ (that Jesus is God) or our Christian faith is hollow, misdirected, and meaningless. This is a central truth of Christianity. We must oppose those who say that Jesus was merely a prophet or a good teacher.  [Life Application SB]

COMMENTARY 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
   Faith Step: Participate in a craft project. As you create your "masterpiece," reflect on the joy Jesus experiences as He constructs and refines you. Share your craft - and that joy - with others. [Mornings With Jesus 2024 Devotional by Guideposts and Zondervan]

LINK FOR FURTHER STUDY

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

LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT

https://abible.com/links/