For by him all things were created in the heavens and on the earth, visible things and invisible things, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things have been created through him and for him. Colossians 1:16 WEB
Paul and his co-writer Timothy begin their letter to the Colossians with thanksgiving and prayer. The letter asserts God’s worthiness of praise, reasoning in Colossians 1:13-14, “For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. NIV”
What follows is a description of Jesus as the physical manifestation of God. Colossians 1:15 reads, “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. WEB” With all things created through him, the gospels agree that Jesus was present at the moment of creation. As we read in John 1:1-3, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him. Without him, nothing was made that has been made. WEB”
The Word Became Flesh
Jesus is the Word of God. This is explicitly stated in John 1:14 which says, “The Word became flesh, and lived among us. We saw his glory, such glory as of the one and only Son of the Father, full of grace and truth. WEB” God spoke the material world into creation. Our reality was created through him.
The Old Testament records the presence of Jesus with our Father God and the Holy Spirit as well. About the creation of mankind, we read in Genesis 1:26, “And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. KJV”
In Heaven and on Earth
Paul teaches the divinity and authority of Christ over all things created through him and for him, visible and invisible. Before giving the great commission to preach the gospel to the whole world, Christ addresses his disciples teaching the same. We read in Matthew 28:18, “Jesus came to them and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. WEB”
With all things created through him and for him, as the Son of God, Jesus has authority over all things visible and invisible. He is our provider and our protector. The world, heaven, the angles, and even demons must submit to his power. As we read of the disciples Christ sent to heal the sick and announce the coming of the kingdom of heaven in Luke 10:17, “The seventy returned with joy, saying, ‘Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name!’ WEB”
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for rescuing me from darkness through the redemptive power of faith. I willingly submit to the authority of your Son and my Savior. Guide me with your word. Give me wisdom to serve your purpose. In Jesus’ name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: A New Covenant
