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Colossians 1:15-20 · WEB
15who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.
16For in him were all things created, in the heavens and on the earth, things visible and things invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers; all things have been created through him, and to him.
17He is before all things, and in him all things are held together.
18He 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.
19For all the fullness was pleased to dwell in him;
20and through him to reconcile all things to himself, having made peace through the blood of his cross. Through him, I say, whether things on the earth, or things in the heavens.
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The Tree of Life: All Things Hold Together in Him (Colossians 1:15-20)
In The Tree of Life, Terrence Malick juxtaposes a 1950s Texas family with the creation of the universe—dinosaurs, galaxies, cells dividing. The connection seems strange until you realize: the cosmic a
Avatar: The Image of the Invisible God (Colossians 1:15-20)
In Avatar, Jake Sully connects to his Na'vi body through neural link—seeing through different eyes, feeling with different skin. The invisible becomes visible; the foreign becomes intimate. Christ is
Traditional Lens Commentary: Colossians 1:15-20
We read Colossians 1:15-20 as a profound Christological hymn that affirms the preeminence and deity of Christ. This passage asserts that Christ is the image of the invisible God and the firstborn over all creation, emphasizing His role in creation and redemption. We understand 'firstborn' not as a s
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: Colossians 1:15-20
We read this passage as a profound declaration of Christ's preeminence in all things, emphasizing His role as the image of the invisible God and the agent of creation. Verses 15-20 serve as a hymn of Christ's sovereignty and His central place in God's redemptive plan. Within our covenantal framework
Lutheran Lens Commentary: Colossians 1:15-20
We read Colossians 1:15-20 as a profound declaration of the Gospel, revealing the cosmic scope of Christ's redemptive work. This passage proclaims Christ as the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation, emphasizing his preeminence and active role in creation. We see the Law in the i
Roman Catholic Lens Commentary: Colossians 1:15-20
We read Colossians 1:15-20 as an exalted hymn of Christ's preeminence and centrality in creation and redemption. This passage underscores the Incarnation — the eternal Son of God becoming flesh, sanctifying creation, and establishing His Church. It reveals Christ as the 'firstborn of all creation' a
Black Church Tradition Lens Commentary: Colossians 1:15-20
We read Colossians 1:15-20 as a powerful proclamation of Christ's supremacy over all creation and his role as the liberator of both the oppressed and the cosmos. This passage affirms that Jesus, the image of the invisible God, is not only the creator but the redeemer who reconciles all things throug
Nature Illustration: Rain, Dew, and God’s Word
As I walked through my garden one morning, the air heavy with coolness and the earth still cloaked in darkness, I noticed something remarkable: the dew that clung to the petals of my flowers. Each droplet sparkled like a tiny...
Morning Meditation: Compassion
Dear Heavenly Father, As I take a moment to reflect on *compassion* this morning, I am drawn to the powerful truth of Colossians 1:15-20. Here, we see the fullness of your character displayed in the life of Christ—the one who...
Science Illustration: Stewardship of Technology
In a small town, a brilliant inventor named Clara dedicated her life to creating renewable energy sources. She was captivated by the beauty of creation and believed that every innovation should honor the Creator. One day, while working late in...
The Guilt Challenge - Contemporary Example
In our whirlwind world, guilt often sneaks in like a thief in the night, robbing us of peace and purpose. It’s a familiar struggle, one that echoes through the ages—just as the characters in the Bible wrestled with their own...
A Modern Story of Wisdom - Biblical Analogy
In our fast-paced world, where information flows like a river and choices multiply like stars in the sky, the pursuit of wisdom can feel like navigating a dense fog. We find ourselves standing on the edge of a vast sea,...
The Guilt Challenge
In our modern world, guilt can feel like an unwelcome companion, lurking in the shadows of our hearts and whispering lies that chip away at our joy and peace. I recall a story shared with me by a dear friend,...
A Modern Story of Wisdom - Story
Imagine a young woman named Lily, a recent college graduate stepping into the bustling world of corporate life. Brimming with ambition yet grappling with uncertainty, she finds herself navigating a landscape rife with ethical dilemmas and relentless pressure to succeed....
Nature Illustration: Ants and Small Wisdoms
One summer afternoon, I found myself mesmerized by a colony of ants marching diligently across my backyard. As I sat on the steps watching them, each tiny creature seemed to have a purpose, weaving in and out of blades of...
A Modern Story of Wisdom
In our rapidly changing world, the call to seek Wisdom feels both urgent and daunting. Picture a young woman named Sarah, who recently graduated from college, stepping into the swirling uncertainties of adulthood. With her diploma in hand, she stands...
Nature Illustration: Humanity as Image-Bearers in Creation
On a clear autumn afternoon, I found myself wandering through a local park, captivated by the vibrant canvas of leaves painted in scarlet and gold. As I admired the trees, I stumbled upon a small clearing where a child was...
Science Illustration: Learning from Failure
There’s a story about a scientist named Dr. Samuel who spent years studying the intricate patterns of butterfly wings. His passion for understanding the delicate beauty of these creatures drove him to build a sophisticated lab filled with the latest...
Nature Illustration: Mountains, Valleys, and Pilgrimage
Picture a majestic mountain range, peaks soaring high into the heavens, their summits often cloaked in clouds. As the sun rises, it casts a golden hue over these mountains, illuminating their rugged beauty. These towering heights remind us of the...
Nature Illustration: Light and Darkness
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm golden hue across the landscape, a gentle hush fell over the world. Imagine standing at the edge of a vast forest, the trees standing tall against the fading light. Each...
A Modern Story of Wisdom - Contemporary Example
In our fast-paced world, the pursuit of wisdom often feels like navigating a dense fog—each decision obscured by uncertainty. Yet, just as the ancient travelers depended on the stars to guide them across dark waters, we too can look to...
Science Illustration: Limits of Human Knowledge
As a child, I was fascinated by the stars. I remember lying on the grass at night, staring up at the vastness of the universe, feeling both insignificant and yet so connected to the cosmos. I would often wonder, "What...
Nature Illustration: Rivers, Wells, and Living Water
Imagine standing on the banks of a river, its waters flowing with life and vitality. This river, fed by distant mountains, nourishes everything in its path. Fish dart about, birds dip down to drink, and trees line the banks, their...
Science Illustration: Order and Design in Creation
Years ago, I visited a local planetarium, where I was mesmerized by a stunning display of our universe. As the lights dimmed, the vast expanse of stars unfolded before my eyes. I found myself enveloped in the beauty of the...