SCRIPTURE FOCUS
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent
Colossians 1:15-18
PRAYER FOCUS - Image of God. Creator. Upholder of all Things. Head of the Body, the Church.
Paul packs an extraordinary amount of truth about who Jesus is. For nineteen days, we have looked at some of the various names of Jesus in the Scripture. Each name describes an aspect of His character and ministry. Of course, it is not comprehensive! A lifetime can be spent studying Jesus and His works and still not reach the end of Him!
Jesus is the image of the invisible God. Notice that, unlike Adam, Jesus was not made in the image of God, but He actually is the image of God. Hebrews 1:3 tells us that He is “the exact representation of his being.”
Jesus is the Creator of all things, in heaven or on earth, visible and invisible, even the spiritual hierarchies. John 1:3 tells us, “All things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made.” Plus, He holds everything together.
Jesus is the Head of the Body of Christ – the Church. Just as our human bodies receive directions from the brain through the nervous system, the Body of Christ receives our directions from Jesus through His Word and by His Holy Spirit. Just as the branches stay connected to the vine, we, as members of the Body of Christ, stay connected to the Head to be fruitful.
“That in everything He might be preeminent.” Paul says that Jesus is Creator, Upholder of all things, Head of the Body – so that in everything He might have first place.
RESPONSE
The preeminence of Jesus Christ is at the heart of the Father’s plan for us. Let us meditate today on the majesty of Jesus. He created all things and holds all things together. When it seems like things are falling apart around you, Jesus can hold them together. Turn your eyes upon Jesus. Fix your focus on Him. Allow Him to have first place in your life.
What’s one thing that is competing for first place in your life instead of Jesus? Even good things, gifts from God compete for them. At the end of the day, we must recognize that Jesus is first.