Half Empty, Half Full?
Opening Prayer
In a world of media vying for our attention, we turn now to Jesus. In the stillness ask him to be present to you and you to him.
Read Colossians 1:15–23
For additional translations of the passage, use this link to Bible Gateway.
15 The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 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. 19 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.
21 Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. 22 But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation— 23 if you continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.
New International Version (NIV)
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
If you had to choose your favorite hymn or worship song, which one would it be?What an incredible declaration about Christ! According to most Bible scholars, what you have just read is a hymn whose tune has been lost. Paul may be its writer, although it is likely that he is quoting from a hymn that was familiar in all his churches. And what a majestic piece of poetry it is. It’s all about Jesus, but not from the limited perspective of the believer, but in his status as Lord of all creation. Everything takes its meaning from him and is accountable to him.
Moreover, to see Jesus is to see God. He is literally the ikon (15) of the invisible God. There is no one like him. Awesome in creation, powerful in reconciling us to himself through his death, Jesus is without equal. All of God’s fullness dwells in him. And that’s the point! If you need help putting into words what Christ has done for you, study this passage and come back to it again and again to remind yourself of your identity in Christ. Paul wants us to know that our faith in Jesus is enough; there’s no elusive remedy that we need apart from him.
Apply
For a challenge, memorize this passage to remind you of who Christ is and what he has done for you.
Closing prayer
Use this passage as your worship and prayer today. Let this description of Christ inspire you to pour out your heart in adoration.
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