This is one of my favorite verses. I love the implications.

Colossians 1:15.

I love this verse because God, the creator, the righteous, holy judge, can seem so angry, so untouchable, and so far away. . . until I read about Jesus. And then suddenly He is a God who eats with sinners, chooses unlikely people to be His disciples, and practically climbs upon a cross and nails himself there to die for our sins. Fully God, yet fully man.

For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for  him. . . . For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.” Colossians 1:16-20).

It’s unfathomable. How was all the fullness of God poured into skin and bones in need of air to breathe, and food to eat, and water to stay alive?

Maybe the better question is “Why?”.

Why would a God who created everything and who was the head of every authority and power do such a thing?

I think the Greek word translated into “fullness” has the key. The word is Pleroma and it’s definition reads,

“To make full, fill, fill up, complete. . .” (Key Word, NIV 1663).

The immortal God who created the world wasn’t finished. Jesus came not only to complete our knowledge of God’s character, His power and goodness, kindness, and relentless love, but He also came to complete the redemption of a dying world by His own death.

What kind of God does that?

When my praises feel lethargic, my words repetitions of praise, passages like Colossians 1 bring my praise alive. It goes something like this. . .

“I see you. You are the most beautiful, powerful, gentle, and loving God–the God who would suffer for us. Jesus, the image of the invisible God, thank you for giving God hands and feet to touch the sick, bring sight to the blind, and open the ears of those who could not hear your voice. Thank you for completing the picture of the God who is present and willing to do anything for His creation. You were the firstborn among the dead, and one day we will stand beside you clothed in the immortal. And we will worship you forever. Amen.”

When your praises feel empty, use Scripture to help you pray. Colossians is a good place to start.

 

Your Turn: What scriptures do you use to help you worship God in prayer?

 

Jesus loves you,

PS. You are always welcome to use my images, I only ask that you leave my website on them. I pray they bring hope and strength to many and might direct others to this site for encouragement to find purpose beyond today. All for His glory.