Image of the Invisible God: Meditations on Col 1.15-20, Pt 2

for in him were created All Things
in heaven and earth
things visible and invisible
whether thrones or dominions
whether ruler or powers
All Things have been created through him and for him.

There are a lot of THINGSin the universe. Galaxies. Stars. Planets. Moons. Comets. Meteors. Lions. Tigers. Bears. Men. Women. Rainbows. Flowers. These are just some of the visible THINGS. There are also atoms, neutrons, protons, quarks, radio waves, angels, spirit beings. These are just some of the invisible THINGS.  

The Apostle Paul had memorized Genesis 1.1 just as you have from his infancy: In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. But in Colossians 1.16 he makes the astounding assertion that one of the IMAGES of Christ is none other than God actually used the Messiah (i.e. Christ) to do the creating. This speaks to the supremacy of Jesus.  He does not stand behind anyone in all creation in rank.  Paul, like you, could think of a lot of THINGS. Let your mind wander across the universe and Paul dares to claim the person we know as Jesus made those galaxies, stars & planets. Think about those THINGS that cover the world. Paul dares to claim Jesus made those things. But Paul knew the universe has THINGS in it that no eye has ever seen: your spirit, the angels, the invisible stuff the apostle claims Jesus is greater than all them too because he created them. The words “thrones” or “dominions” “ruler” or “powers” refer to the non-material spiritual realm.  Paul tells the Colossian disciples that one reason they have no fear of the evil forces in the world is that Christ, the IMAGE of God, is incomparably superior to them in every conceivable fashion. We live in confidence because Jesus is on our side.

Paul does not say everything in the universe is friendly but he does say that everything will sooner or later serve Christ.  The Universe was created both by Christ and for Christ. We exist for him.

MUSINGS: Read Psalm 104 and note the magnificent diversity of “all things” that are visible that have been created.  Note how “all things” are in God’s visible world are objects of his steadfast love.  Marvel at those things … what does this say about “God.”?

Prayer

End your time praising the Lord for the security we have in him.  Praise him for his creativity and the beauty he has placed in the visible realm. Praise him that one of the THINGS he has created, in His own Image, is YOU.  Ask him to help you grasp that truth.