When we pause to reflect on the words of Colossians 1:15-16, we are invited into a breathtaking truth about Jesus Christ. These verses tell us that Jesus is “the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in Him, all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through Him and for Him.” This passage is not just a theological declaration; it is a personal invitation to see how deeply intertwined our lives are with the Creator of the universe. And here’s the most astonishing part—He did it for you.
Colossians 1:15-16 King James Version
15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:
16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
Jesus: The Image of the Invisible God
Paul begins by describing Jesus as “the image of the invisible God” (Colossians 1:15). This phrase carries profound meaning. Jesus is not merely a reflection of God; He is God Himself revealed to humanity. Through Jesus, we see God’s character—His love, mercy, justice, and grace—manifested in ways we can understand. When we look at Jesus healing the sick, forgiving sinners, and comforting the brokenhearted, we see the heart of God in action.
This truth is especially comforting for those who feel distant from God. If you’ve ever wondered what God is like or questioned whether He cares about you, look to Jesus. In Him, the invisible becomes visible; the unknowable becomes known.
The Supremacy of Christ in Creation
The next verse reveals an awe-inspiring reality: “For in Him all things were created.” Every star in the sky, every blade of grass on earth, every angel in heaven—all were brought into existence through Jesus. But Paul doesn’t stop there. He emphasizes that creation wasn’t just made through Him—it was made for Him. This means that everything exists to glorify Christ and fulfil His purposes.
And yet, this grand cosmic truth has an intimate dimension. The Creator who holds galaxies together also holds your life in His hands. Every detail of creation—from the vastness of space to the intricacies of your DNA—was crafted with care and intention. You are not an accident or an afterthought; you are part of His masterpiece.
“It Was for You”
The phrase “for Him” in Colossians 1:16 might seem to place all focus on Christ—and rightly so—but it also reveals something extraordinary about His love for us. Everything He created was designed to reflect His glory and to draw us closer to Him. The beauty of nature points us to His creativity; the relationships we cherish remind us of His love; even our struggles can lead us to rely on His strength.
Consider this: when Jesus created the world, He knew it would cost Him everything to redeem it. He foresaw humanity’s fall into sin and the pain it would bring—not just to us but to Himself. Yet He chose to create anyway because His love for us was greater than any cost. As Colossians 1:20 later reminds us, He reconciled all things through His blood shed on the cross. Creation was not just an act of power; it was an act of sacrificial love.
How This Truth Changes Us
Understanding that Jesus created all things for you transforms how we view our lives:
- Purpose: Knowing that you were created by Jesus gives your life eternal significance. You are not here by chance but by divine design.
- Hope: In moments of despair or uncertainty, remember that the One who created you also redeemed you. He has a plan for your life that is good and perfect.
- Worship: When we grasp that creation exists for Christ’s glory—and that we are part of that creation—it inspires awe and gratitude. Worship becomes not just an activity but a way of life.
Living Out This Truth
How can we respond to this incredible reality? Here are some practical steps:
- Spend Time with Your Creator: Take time each day to pray and reflect on Scripture. Passages like Colossians 1:15-16 remind us who Jesus is and why He deserves our trust.
- Celebrate Creation: Go outside and marvel at the world around you—the sky, trees, animals—all crafted by Jesus’ hands. Let creation lead you into worship.
- Live with Purpose: Recognize that your life has meaning because it was designed by Christ Himself. Seek ways to glorify Him in your daily actions.
- Trust His Sovereignty: When life feels chaotic or overwhelming, remember that Jesus holds all things together (Colossians 1:17). Rest in His power and care.
Conclusion
Colossians 1:15-16 invites us into a deeper understanding of who Jesus is—the Creator and Sustainer of all things—and how His love reaches into every corner of existence. Everything He made was designed with purpose and intention, including you. As you go about your day today, let this truth sink deeply into your heart: “It was for you.” The same hands that formed galaxies also formed your soul—and they will never let go.
Read More About This Devotional
Quote of the Day: The Love of Jesus: A Supply That Never Fails
Personal Reflection
When I read these verses from Colossians, I am reminded of how small I often feel in comparison to the vastness of creation—and yet how loved I am by its Creator. It amazes me that Jesus didn’t just create out of power but out of love—a love so deep that He would later give His life for me. This truth changes everything about how I see myself and my purpose in life.
Prayer
Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for creating all things through Your power and for loving us so deeply that You would give Your life for us. Help us to see Your hand in every aspect of our lives—from the beauty around us to the challenges we face—and to trust in Your sovereignty over all creation. May we live each day with purpose and gratitude as we seek to glorify You in all we do. Amen.
Scripture Reading for the Day
Genesis 47 King James Version
1 Then Joseph came and told Pharaoh, and said, My father and my brethren, and their flocks, and their herds, and all that they have, are come out of the land of Canaan; and, behold, they are in the land of Goshen.
2 And he took some of his brethren, even five men, and presented them unto Pharaoh.
3 And Pharaoh said unto his brethren, What is your occupation? And they said unto Pharaoh, Thy servants are shepherds, both we, and also our fathers.
4 They said morever unto Pharaoh, For to sojourn in the land are we come; for thy servants have no pasture for their flocks; for the famine is sore in the land of Canaan: now therefore, we pray thee, let thy servants dwell in the land of Goshen.
5 And Pharaoh spake unto Joseph, saying, Thy father and thy brethren are come unto thee:
6 The land of Egypt is before thee; in the best of the land make thy father and brethren to dwell; in the land of Goshen let them dwell: and if thou knowest any men of activity among them, then make them rulers over my cattle.
7 And Joseph brought in Jacob his father, and set him before Pharaoh: and Jacob blessed Pharaoh.
8 And Pharaoh said unto Jacob, How old art thou?
9 And Jacob said unto Pharaoh, The days of the years of my pilgrimage are an hundred and thirty years: few and evil have the days of the years of my life been, and have not attained unto the days of the years of the life of my fathers in the days of their pilgrimage.
10 And Jacob blessed Pharaoh, and went out from before Pharaoh.
11 And Joseph placed his father and his brethren, and gave them a possession in the land of Egypt, in the best of the land, in the land of Rameses, as Pharaoh had commanded.
12 And Joseph nourished his father, and his brethren, and all his father’s household, with bread, according to their families.
13 And there was no bread in all the land; for the famine was very sore, so that the land of Egypt and all the land of Canaan fainted by reason of the famine.
14 And Joseph gathered up all the money that was found in the land of Egypt, and in the land of Canaan, for the corn which they bought: and Joseph brought the money into Pharaoh’s house.
15 And when money failed in the land of Egypt, and in the land of Canaan, all the Egyptians came unto Joseph, and said, Give us bread: for why should we die in thy presence? for the money faileth.
16 And Joseph said, Give your cattle; and I will give you for your cattle, if money fail.
17 And they brought their cattle unto Joseph: and Joseph gave them bread in exchange for horses, and for the flocks, and for the cattle of the herds, and for the asses: and he fed them with bread for all their cattle for that year.
18 When that year was ended, they came unto him the second year, and said unto him, We will not hide it from my lord, how that our money is spent; my lord also hath our herds of cattle; there is not ought left in the sight of my lord, but our bodies, and our lands:
19 Wherefore shall we die before thine eyes, both we and our land? buy us and our land for bread, and we and our land will be servants unto Pharaoh: and give us seed, that we may live, and not die, that the land be not desolate.
20 And Joseph bought all the land of Egypt for Pharaoh; for the Egyptians sold every man his field, because the famine prevailed over them: so the land became Pharaoh’s.
21 And as for the people, he removed them to cities from one end of the borders of Egypt even to the other end thereof.
22 Only the land of the priests bought he not; for the priests had a portion assigned them of Pharaoh, and did eat their portion which Pharaoh gave them: wherefore they sold not their lands.
23 Then Joseph said unto the people, Behold, I have bought you this day and your land for Pharaoh: lo, here is seed for you, and ye shall sow the land.
24 And it shall come to pass in the increase, that ye shall give the fifth part unto Pharaoh, and four parts shall be your own, for seed of the field, and for your food, and for them of your households, and for food for your little ones.
25 And they said, Thou hast saved our lives: let us find grace in the sight of my lord, and we will be Pharaoh’s servants.
26 And Joseph made it a law over the land of Egypt unto this day, that Pharaoh should have the fifth part, except the land of the priests only, which became not Pharaoh’s.
27 And Israel dwelt in the land of Egypt, in the country of Goshen; and they had possessions therein, and grew, and multiplied exceedingly.
28 And Jacob lived in the land of Egypt seventeen years: so the whole age of Jacob was an hundred forty and seven years.
29 And the time drew nigh that Israel must die: and he called his son Joseph, and said unto him, If now I have found grace in thy sight, put, I pray thee, thy hand under my thigh, and deal kindly and truly with me; bury me not, I pray thee, in Egypt:
30 But I will lie with my fathers, and thou shalt carry me out of Egypt, and bury me in their buryingplace. And he said, I will do as thou hast said.
31 And he said, Swear unto me. And he sware unto him. And Israel bowed himself upon the bed’s head.
