Colossians 1:11-20 (NRSV)
Read Colossians 1:11-20 on biblegateway.com
Verse 11May you be made strong with all the strength that comes from his glorious power, and may you be prepared to endure everything with patience, while joyfully
Verse 12giving thanks to the Father, who has enabled you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the light. Verse 13He has rescued us from the power of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of his beloved Son, Verse 14in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. Verse 15He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation; Verse 16for in him all things in heaven and on earth were created, things visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or powers-all things have been created through him and for him. Verse 17He himself is before all things, and in him all things hold together. Verse 18He is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that he might come to have first place in everything. Verse 19For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, Verse 20and through him God was pleased to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, by making peace through the blood of his cross.
Devotion
The Apostle Paul packs into a few verses the whole of the good news of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. He tells his friends in Colossae what God in Christ is doing in their lives and the world. He prays for them to remember that despite their struggles, because of Jesus’ love of God, it’s a whole new world—and he’s not talking Disney!
Paul’s encouragement reminds us that it is Jesus’ love that makes us strong, patient, and joyful. Secured by this love, we bear “mature” fruit that comes from our “knowledge of God” (Colossians 1:10). The echo of Monday’s Jeremiah text cannot be ignored. Authentic faith and knowledge of God is getting down to work with Jesus and sharing God’s love, without condescension, a feeling of superiority, or blaming others. Just as this love has been freely given to us, it can only be grown and shared if it is freely given to others.
Prayer
Jesus, thank you for your faithful love. May your love in us offer help for the world’s need. We are so grateful to live in hope, knowing that in you all things hold together. Amen.
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