John Carter – March 31, 2018
Download PDF 2018 Passion Week Devotions – Colossians
15He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16For 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. 17And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. 19For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross. (ESV)
This passage brings many things to sit and ponder over. Some of which will take years to understand. But all of which bring great joy to the tired and broken soul. Take a moment to ask who Jesus is? Then search this passage for the answers and the depths of truth that follows
Who is Jesus?
- He is the image of the invisible God.
- He is the firstborn of all creation.
- He is the creator of all in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, ruler and authorities.
- He created all things through himself and for himself.
- He is before all things.
- He holds all things together.
- He is the head of the Church, his body.
- He is the beginning.
- He is the firstborn from the dead.
- He is unique and above everything else.
- He pleased the fullness of God.
- He is the location of the fullness of God.
- He is the way all things, both in heaven and earth, are reunited with God.
- He made peace through his bloody death on the cross.
Without Christ, we have no past, present, or future. In Christ we have everything. Turn to Christ and receive the good reward of eternal life in the presence of the only true and living God.
Holy Father,
Thank you for your Son. Please forgive me for hating you and rebelling against you. Teach me how to obey your son and to love him. Let me enjoy the reconciliation and peace he offers through his death. Jesus, thank you for your sacrifice. I submit to you my entire life and being. Without you, I have no hope. But in you, I have eternal life and a good relationship with the Father. You are my Creator, my Savior, my Healer. You are my God! Amen.
Why This Devotion?
How much effort do we put into celebrating Christmas? We invest time, money, conversations, and even family gatherings. And this is all on top of attending times of worship with other Christians. But if we are careful to study the Bible we see that the birth of Jesus, the Son of God, means very little unless he died on the cross and rose from the dead. This is because without the life, the death, and the resurrection of Jesus we would all still be dead in our sins. That is why this one-week devotion was created for the week before the death and resurrection of Jesus; Passion Week.
As you work through these devotions take time to read each passage from Colossians, the short devotional comments, and then authentically pray the prayers. After you finish each devotion let the rest of your day be filled with deep meditation on the truth of who Jesus is and why he came.
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