September 18, 2021 – Colossians 1-4

Paul writes here his great piece on the person of Christ. “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together” (1:15-17). This is the one for whom all things have been created, who has created all things, and who holds the universe together by his power. Wow!

And even more gloriously, the Father has, through him, reconciled us to himself. We, “who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him” (1:21,22). Indeed, “how great . . . are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory” (1:27). Colossians is so packed with descriptions of Christ, who he is, what he had done for us! It’s a wonderful letter from Paul in which we will find great joy and encouragement as we come back to it over and over again.

Hope of the world, who by your cross did save us

from death and dark despair, from sin and guilt:

we render back the love your mercy gave us;

take now our lives and use them as you will.

Hope of the world, O Christ, o'er death victorious,

who by this sign did conquer grief and pain:

we would be faithful to your gospel glorious;

you are our Lord, and you forever reign! -- Georgia Elma Harkness (1954)