Colossians 1:15-23

Although I don’t want to get into a conversation about them, one of the habits I’ve gotten into when I read the Scriptures is reading different parts in several different translations.

It always lends itself to a deeper, fuller, more textured understanding of what I’m reading. That’s what I suggest for this passage above.  (NKJV, NIV, NLT, Message, and The Voice if you have it)

I’m really chewing on a few things from these verses.

1.  vs. 15 – In Jesus, the invisible God is visible.  Even those of us who are  Jesus followers tend to act as if God is intentionally elusive and hiding – all the while throwing up roadblocks for those who are trying to reach him.

I know we say we don’t think this way, but we can’t help it – that misconception is part of the brokenness of humanity.

He isn’t elusive.  He isn’t hiding from us.  He chose to make himself visible to the whole world for all time by taking on flesh and becoming part of human history.

He is the pursuer, not the pursued.  You can search every religion or philosophy on the planet – the God of heaven is the only god who has come to rescue us.

2.  vs. 19 – Lately I’ve been gripped by the poker phrase, “all in” – the act of putting all your chips in, holding nothing back.  I’ve been challenged by this notion in my faith and the dreams and vision God has for our church.

Financially, emotionally, mentally, chronologically, and spiritually – I want to be all in.  That’s why I love vs. 19.  It pleased God to go all in.  To have the entirety of his glory and fullness exist in the person of Jesus.  Wow.

3.  vs. 13 (bonus verse), vs. 20-22 – We were once alienated from and enemies of God who not only lived in darkness, but were under its domination.

Because of the truth we see in verses 15 & 19, we have been rescued, redeemed, forgiven, and reconciled in, through, and to God.

4.  vs. 22 – “without blemish and free from accusation” – did you know that those words describe you?  Not just how God sees you – they actually describe you.  HOLY COW!!!??!?!???!!?

It is unbelievable that the broken and messed up human that I am can actually be described this way.

Stop and reflect on that for a few minutes.

Have a great day!