Colossians 1:16 “The Greatest Gift”
” 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.”
This study may seem a little “out there” as we look at the phase “…whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities or powers.” These words seem to have dual meanings referring to rulerships, authorities and hierarchy of powers, both in the seen and in the unseen world of angelic and demonic hosts. As a modern day army is divided by ranks, paltones and divisions, the implication is that the spiritual world is likewise. There are many stories in the Bible of both angelic and demonic intervention. For some of us we readily believe in these unseen forces, working on behalf of man’s good or to his demise, for others this is just strange. In either case the spiritual world is real, and there is an unseen battle that occurs over the lives of men and women; with the heart, mind and soul of man being the prize to be won.
It can be a scary thought, for what can mortal man do against these unseen forces? Yet we can find comfort in the verse itself in that “all things being created by him” are also under him, and that all things are “for him.” Several studies back we discussed the topic of “permissible evil.” The question was, why does God allow evil if it’s intent is to destroy and damn man, as John 10:10 says….” the evil one comes only to steal, kill and destroy.” The stakes are really high!
Questions such as these have profound answers that books have been written on, not answered in brief devotionals. However in a super nutshell answer, “where evil abounds, God’s grace abounds the more” (Romans 5:20) and ” a light on the hill the darkness cannot put out, so let your light so shine before men that all will see and praise your Father in Heaven” ( Matthew 5:14 -16 paraphrased ). In other words, a candle in a dark room lights up the room, not the reverse. Darkness does not win over light. The stars shine the brightest in the darkness night, and the glory and need for God’s grace is more greatly seen and desired when darkness exist in the world and in the heart of man. When all is perfect, who needs a Savior?
The ways of the evil one are not a threat to the children of God, forgiven and filled with His spirit. His ways are not a threat to the unsaved that see the effects of sin in the world and in their own lives, for now change is possible. He is only a threat to those of us who believe all is well. That our goodness is sufficient, and that we are so well supplied by our own means, that we cannot see the love of God for us, or our need of it. For you there is concern; and even given that as a concern, there is still granted to us the freedom to believe as we chose. With that freedom comes responsibility, and when the stakes are for the souls of men and women, the stakes could not be higher.
Last comment. The verse ends with three simple yet profound words, ” and for Him.” All things, including ourselves, were and are created to be in relationship with God through faith in Christ. As an example, when occupationally we are doing what we were made for, there is a sense of fulfillment; even deeper still is the sense of being found, being home, having the deepest part of us made right, being at peace. Interestingly enough peace in the Greek means to restore that which has been broken e.g., to set a broken arm, or it can also mean to be “set at one with God.” Have you found peace?
We travel great distances within relatively few hours with jets, however the greatest distance travelled only requires going 18″ inches, the distance between one’s knees and the floor, and Eternity is reached.
Father God,
I give you permission to search me and reveal to me the foundation i have built my life on. If I cannot see my need of You, reveal to me my need. There may be some fear in me to know the truth, but the greater danger is to believe that all is right, only to discover later my blindness. That by far is the greater fear. So show me and reveal to me what it means to “be created for you.” Thank you and Amen
Dios lo Bendiga and Merry Christmas – Arthur