He is the head of the body, the assembly, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things he might have the preeminence. Colossians 1:18 WEB
In Colossians 1:12, Paul gives thanks to God for making us fit to partake in the inheritance of the saints. In verse thirteen, Paul describes how God delivered us out of darkness and translated the faithful into the Kingdom of his Son. He continues in Colossians 1:14-15 saying of the Lord Jesus, “in whom we have our redemption, the forgiveness of our sins. He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. WEB”
Paul then acknowledges Jesus’ role in creation and the sustaining of all things. He writes in Colossians 1:16-17, “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. He is before all things, and in him all things are held together. WEB”
The Authority of Christ
Verse eighteen asserts the authority of Christ. Calling Jesus the head of the body, Paul teaches that Jesus is the ultimate leader of the church or “the assembly.” As head of the body of believers, Christ is supreme above all other things. He is the source of power, control, and all decision making in the church. That is to say that Christ is the source of our faith and our salvation. For this reason, we follow the commands of Christ.
In addition to the head of the body, Paul calls Jesus “the beginning.” This is a reference to Jesus’ participation in 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” Finally, Paul describes Christ as the firstborn of the dead. This refers to Jesus’ resurrection and is the reason for Jesus’ preeminence or supremacy over all things in heaven and on earth.
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for my brothers and sisters in Christ. Thank you for the clarity of your holy word. Help me to live eternally in your will. Give me wisdom to follow the commands of Christ all the days of my life. In Jesus name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: Bethesda
