Most of us very naturally, and easily, see the world around us in fragments or compartments. We divide our lives into spiritual and ordinary, sacred and secular, personal and cosmic. Like a child separating food on his plate, we don’t really like for these compartments to touch. But Paul, writing to the church at Colossae, won’t let us get away with it! He puts Jesus at the center of it all.
 
According to this text, Jesus is the exact image of the invisible God. He is before all things and everything was created through Him and for Him. Everything, every throne, every form of dominion, ruler, authority … everything exists beneath His authority. Simultaneously, nothing is too ordinary for Him, either … and nothing is too cosmic or grand.
 
This reality adds some punch to the incarnation of Jesus. The Word made flesh isn’t only a tender picture of God coming near, it is also the arrival of the One in whom all creation finds its meaning. This man, this Jesus, born in human weakness is also the One who holds all of creation together with His power.

Knowing this helps us remember the brokenness of the world isn’t ultimate. The evil all around us doesn’t get to define reality. Death will not have the final word. None of the powers are equal to or legitimate rivals of Christ. Through Him, the fractured and broken pieces of creation are being reconciled.

It’s important to note once again just how the reconciliation has come. Not through force, political control, or a distant detached divine command. Peace comes “through His blood, shed on the cross.” The most powerful weapon in the universe against darkness and death turns out to be a self-giving sacrifice.
 
This is the truth which must work to shape our worldview; all things are from Jesus, through Jesus, and being reconciled to God by Jesus. The incarnation isn’t another story in a long string of epic tales … it is the center of all reality in sharp focus.  

What parts of your life do you tend to treat as disconnected from Christ’s rule and care? How does Colossians 1 challenge the way you see the visible and invisible realities around you?

Father, teach me to define reality in light of Jesus. Sometimes the world feels fractured and unstable. When it does, anchor my mind in the Truth that Jesus holds all things together. Help me to trust the Peace He has made through His blood. Amen.