Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Be the space for Christ

Bible Reading: ::Colossians 1:15-20

Key verse:  

Bible Verse: Verse 18: And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.


DEVOTION

Christology is the branch of theology that specifically examines the nature, being, and work of Jesus Christ. This passage is considered one of the most profound statements of Christology in the New Testament. It is often called “Christ’s Hymn” and is an example of High Christology. The passage presents two major themes: Jesus’s supremacy over the Original Creation and the Supremacy over the New Creation.
In v 15-17, Paul presents an image of Jesus as fully divine. He says that Jesus was part of the design of the original creation and that hence the title of the “firstborn”. Here Jesus is being given the image of the visible Son of an invisible Father. Just at a time when we have celebrated Christmas with all the pomp and glory, if there is one message that we should be taking back is that Jesus came down as an embodiment of the invisible God in visible form but He has been the one in which all things both in heaven and on earth were created. 
The second part of this passage, verses 18--20, tells us how Jesus has the supremacy over the New Creation also. The new creation here is the church and the world. Paul says that Jesus as the head of the Body and the Church, he provides direction to us, His followers. As the firstborn among the dead, we have the hope of eternal life through Him. By giving his blood on the Cross, he has reconciled us and given us peace. 
As we draw to the end of this year and start a new one let his passage bring us the understanding that in a world that is broken and fragmented, it is Jesus who only holds everything together. It is also a time to reflect on what our priorities will be in the new year. Is Jesus the true first one we have in our lives or do other priorities take precedence over Him?
 

PRAYER

​​Lord Jesus,
I acknowledge you today as the image of the invisible God and the ruler of all creation. I confess that I often try to be the "head" of my own life, striving to hold everything together by my own effort. Today, I hand the lead back to you. Be preeminent in my thoughts, my work, and my relationships. Lord Jesus, I acknowledge you today as the image of the invisible God and the ruler of all creation. I confess that I often try to be the "head" of my own life, striving to hold everything together by my own effort. Today, I hand the lead back to you. Be preeminent in my thoughts, my work, and my relationships. 

Thought for the DAY

"Christ is the language of eternity transformed and translated into the words of time. If you want to know what God is like, turn to Christ and get a good solid vision of him." - Martin Luther King Jr


Gary Thomas George, Long Island Mar Thoma Church, New York

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