Lessons 4 and 5 in Colossians were overflowing in their description of Jesus. Colossians 1:15-20 describes him in poetic form that gradually builds to a crescendo in verse 20. He is:
- The image-bearer of the invisible God
- Firstborn of all creation
- Creator of ALL things
- Before all things
- The One who holds all things together
- Head of the body (the church)
- The Beginning
- Firstborn from the dead (the resurrection)
- In first place
- Enough (all things dwell in Him)
But above all that, in verse 20 we see him as our Reconciler. Through His blood, we who were once “alienated and hostile” toward God are now presented as “holy and blameless and beyond reproach.”
I can easily see myself in the first part of that equation. The second part takes faith on my part to believe it’s true. That’s why it was good to be reminded this week that none of that is something I do. It has all been done for me.
The pivotal passage of this week’s lesson, Colossians 2:6, tells me I have been “firmly rooted,” “built up in Him,” and “established in [my] faith.” All those things have been done for me or are being done to me by Christ. My part is simply gratitude.
As a believer, I have much to be grateful for. I have:
- The love of the Father and the saints
- All the wealth of understanding
- Knowledge of God’s mystery (Christ)
- Stability
- Firm roots
- Completion
- Circumcision of my old, dead nature
- A new life
- Forgiveness for my sins
- Cancelation of all my debts
- FREEDOM
What riches we have in Christ Jesus!
Equip Her 