“all things were created through him and for him.” – Colossians 1:16

Scripture reading: Colossians 1:15-20

It is a wonderful truth that the Lord Jesus came into the world to save sinners (1 Timothy 1:15). It is unthinkable to imagine that He had not come.

But in our passage today, the Apostle reminds us of another truth, a truth that is before the one mentioned above. That truth is that the world came into existence for Christ. Paul is talking about how the Lord Jesus is the image of the invisible God. This Jesus is the One Who created all things. All things were created through Him and for Him (Colossians 1:16). Jesus is the reason that God called the world into existence.

Jesus does not, in the first place, exist for us. We exist for Him. We are not the centre of the universe; He is. God’s great desire is that His Son would be preeminent in everything (Colossians 1:18). Everything has been designed so that the Lord Jesus Christ, the One in Whom all the fullness of God dwells, would be worshipped. Creation is a showcase for the glory of Christ, to display His multifaceted perfections.

This has important implications for our lives. Our lives should reflect Christ’s glory. We do that when we trust in Him as our Saviour, showcasing His glory. We do that when we imitate Him, displaying, in our lives, His holiness and character. We do that when we pray for people around us to glorify Christ and seize the opportunities we have to commend Christ to others. Certainly, He is worth everything as the glorious God-man.

Suggestions for prayer

Ask God to re-orient our thinking so that we understand that we exist for Christ before He exists for us. Thank God that the all-glorious Lord Jesus did come into the world to save us sinners.

Rev. John van Eyk began his ministry in Cambridge, Ontario as a Church Planter and Minister of the Riverside Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. After 13 years there, he served almost 10 years in the Tain/Fearn congregation of the Associated Presbyterian Churches in the Scottish Highlands. John has served as Senior Pastor of Trinity Reformed Church (United Reformed) in Lethbridge, Alberta since 2017. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com.