Morning Devotional

Colossians 1:15-20

15 The Son is the image of the invisible God, the one who is first over all creation,
16 Because all things were created by him: both in the heavens and on the earth, the things that are visible and the things that are invisible. Whether they are thrones or powers, or rulers or authorities, all things were created through him and for him.
17 He existed before all things, and all things are held together in him.
18 He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the one who is firstborn from among the dead so that he might occupy the first place in everything.
19 Because all the fullness of God was pleased to live in him,  20  and he reconciled all things to himself through him—  whether things on earth or in the heavens. He brought peace through the blood of his cross.


There are times, many in fact, that I have to read the scripture multiple times to begin to get what it may be saying. The passage above is one of those. As I read the passage over and over what I gleaned was; that it is Jesus, God, that holds everything together. When I walk out to a beautiful sunrise or hear the melodies of the birds and I think "my goodness, how beautiful", I must realize all of this was His idea, His creation and handiwork. 

Have you ever said, "boy it takes your breath away"? What you are really saying is Jesus is the reason you lost your breath. Whether you are taking that first bite of fresh watermelon this summer or traveling in the beauty of what nature offers, we must realize it is God's doings through Jesus. When I think of the awe, the grandeur, the peace it brings, I must ask if I am giving God the Glory for what He has given me or blessed me with at that moment. Do we live in the gratitude Paul speaks of. 

Paul even goes further though, he says to look at all the ugliness as well; the sinfulness, corruption and the evil. This was not the intention of God but it is through Jesus the world has been redeemed. The very one who created the world in the beginning is the same Jesus through whom the world is now redeemed. When Jesus went to that cross it is so much more than just the forgiveness of my sins but it is the act to redeem the world around us as well. 

Makes me wonder, how can our lives not be a living example of redemption? What a powerful message Paul gives to us in the passage above. I pray you can come and join us on this day! Pastor Carl

Father, thank you. I know I am Your creation and Your love redeemed me and gave me new life. I realize that You redeemed and loved the whole of creation but You know my name; You sent Your Son for me. Father, keep teaching me ways how to love and value what You have created in a deeper way, daily. Forgive me when I turn away, I ask this and all things in the name of Jesus, the Logos. Amen.