Month: June 2024

The Supreme Christ: Our Hope and Reconciliation

In a world filled with chaos, division, and uncertainty, it’s easy to lose sight of what truly matters. We often find ourselves caught up in the daily struggles of life, feeling disconnected and alienated from God. But there’s a powerful truth that can transform our perspective and renew our hope: the supremacy of Christ over all things.

The book of Colossians paints a magnificent picture of who Jesus is and what He has accomplished for us. It reminds us that Christ is “the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.” This profound statement reveals that Jesus makes the unseen God visible to us, bridging the gap between the divine and human.

But it doesn’t stop there. The scripture goes on to declare that “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.” This truth shatters our limited understanding of Christ’s role in the universe. He’s not just a historical figure or a moral teacher; He’s the very source and sustainer of all existence.

Today, we’re bombarded by news of wars, political turmoil, and economic uncertainty, and yet, in the midst of it all we can find solace in knowing that Christ reigns supreme over everythingl. Every ruler, every authority, every power – visible and invisible – is under His dominion. When anxiety creeps in and fear threatens to overwhelm us, we can anchor ourselves in this unshakeable truth: Jesus is in control.

But what does this cosmic Christ mean for our personal lives? The scripture reveals that “in him all things hold together.” Just as He sustains the universe, He holds our lives together, even when they seem to be falling apart. His supremacy extends to every aspect of our existence – our relationships, our work, our struggles, and our joys.

Perhaps one of the most beautiful aspects of Christ’s supremacy is how it relates to the church. He is “the head of the body, the church.” In a time when the church often seems fragmented and divided, we’re reminded that Christ unites us. The church is a unique entity in society, bringing together people of different ages, backgrounds, and socioeconomic statuses under one purpose. This unity in diversity is a powerful testimony to the world of Christ’s reconciling work.

At the heart of this message is the incredible news of reconciliation. We were once “alienated from God” and “enemies in our minds because of our evil behavior.” This estrangement from God is something many of us still struggle with, even as believers. We often feel disconnected, unworthy, and burdened by guilt over our failures and shortcomings.

But here’s the liberating truth: through Christ’s death on the cross, we have been reconciled to God. The price has been paid in full. We are presented as “holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation.” This is not because of our own efforts or righteousness, but solely because of what Christ has done for us.

Yet, how often do we live as if we’re still alienated from God? We allow the voice of the accuser – Satan – to drown out the voice of truth. We wallow in guilt, feeling that we’re not good enough, clean enough, or worthy enough for God to use us. But this is a lie that keeps us from experiencing the fullness of life in Christ.

The gospel proclaims that we are no longer accused. We are spotless and blameless in God’s sight. This isn’t about feelings; it’s a fact established by Christ’s finished work on the cross. Our challenge is to stand firm in this truth, to be “established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel.”

This message of reconciliation and hope is not just for individual believers; it extends to “all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven.” There is nothing beyond the reach of God’s redeeming power. No situation is too dire, no sin too great, no brokenness too severe for Christ to reconcile and restore.

As we reflect on these profound truths, we’re called to a renewed focus on Christ’s supremacy in our lives. Instead of fixating on our sins and shortcomings, we’re invited to fix our eyes on Jesus. Rather than joining the chorus of accusation against ourselves, we’re encouraged to partner with Christ who declares us spotless and blameless.

This doesn’t mean we ignore our struggles or pretend we never fail. Instead, it means we approach our weaknesses from a position of acceptance and love, knowing that our identity is secure in Christ. It means we stand firm in faith, even when our feelings or circumstances tell us otherwise.

The power of this message lies not in behavior modification or self-improvement, but in the transformative nature of the gospel itself. As we continually hear and embrace the truth of who Christ is and what He’s done for us, we are changed from the inside out.

In a world that often feels chaotic and unpredictable, the supremacy of Christ offers us an unshakeable foundation. It reminds us that no matter what we face – whether personal struggles, global crises, or spiritual warfare – Christ reigns supreme. He is before all things, and in Him, all things hold together.

So today, let’s choose to stand firm in this hope. Let’s resist the voice of the accuser and instead listen to the voice of truth. Let’s fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. As we do, we’ll find ourselves transformed, reconciled, and empowered to live as children of the King who reigns supreme over all.

—– 

Here’s a 5-day Bible reading plan and devotional for your week:

Day 1: The Supremacy of Christ

Reading: Colossians 1:15-20

Devotional: Today, we focus on the supreme nature of Christ. He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. Everything was created by Him and for Him. As you reflect on this passage, consider the vastness of Christ’s authority. How does recognizing His supremacy change your perspective on your daily challenges? Take time to surrender any areas of your life where you’ve been trying to maintain control, and invite Christ’s supreme reign over every aspect of your being.

—–

Day 2: Rescued from Darkness

Reading: Colossians 1:13-14

Devotional: We were once under the dominion of darkness, but God has rescued us and brought us into the kingdom of His Son. Reflect on your life before Christ and the transformation that has occurred since. How has being transferred from darkness to light changed your thoughts, actions, and relationships? Thank God for His redemptive work in your life and pray for those still trapped in darkness, that they too might experience the freedom found in Christ.

—–

Day 3: Reconciliation Through Christ

Reading: Colossians 1:21-23

Devotional: Once alienated and enemies in our minds, we have now been reconciled to God through Christ’s death. This reconciliation presents us as holy and blameless before God. How often do you still feel alienated due to past sins or current struggles? Remember that your reconciliation is not based on your perfection, but on Christ’s finished work. Stand firm in this truth today, resisting the accuser’s voice and embracing your new identity in Christ.

—–

Day 4: The Fullness of God in Christ

Reading: Colossians 1:19-20, 2:9-10

Devotional: God was pleased to have all His fullness dwell in Christ. As believers, we too have been given fullness in Christ. Meditate on what it means to have the fullness of God available to you through your relationship with Jesus. How might this truth empower you to live differently? Ask God to help you tap into this fullness, allowing His power to work through you in ways you never thought possible.

—–

Day 5: Standing Firm in Faith

Reading: Colossians 1:23, Ephesians 6:10-18

Devotional: Our call is to continue in faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope of the gospel. This requires active participation on our part. Reflect on areas where your faith might be wavering. What practical steps can you take to stand firm? Consider the armor of God described in Ephesians and how each piece relates to standing firm in your faith. Pray for strength and perseverance, knowing that as you stand firm, God is faithful to establish you.

It’s far too easy to lose sight of our true identity. We often find ourselves striving to earn love, acceptance, and salvation through our own efforts. We create mental checklists of do’s and don’ts, hoping that if we just follow the rules perfectly, we’ll finally be worthy of God’s love and grace. But this mentality is far from the truth that God wants us to embrace.

The truth is, we are already loved, accepted, and saved through the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross. When He died for us, He paid the ultimate price to redeem us from the bondage of sin and legalism. He set us free from the burden of trying to earn our way into heaven and instead offered us the gift of sonship and daughtership.

Galatians 4:4-7 beautifully illustrates this truth: “But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship. Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, ‘Abba, Father.’ So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir.”

When we accept Jesus as our Savior, we are adopted into God’s family. We become His children, with all the rights and privileges that come with that position. We are no longer slaves to sin or legalism, but rather we are free to live in the love and grace of our heavenly Father.

This is a truth that we need to remind ourselves of daily. It’s so easy to slip back into that slave mentality, thinking that we have to work harder, do more, and be better to earn God’s favor. But the reality is, there’s nothing we can do to make God love us more than He already does. His love for us is unconditional and unending.

Think of it this way: when a child is born into a family, they don’t have to earn their place. They are loved and accepted simply because they exist. The same is true for us as children of God. We don’t have to strive to earn His love or prove our worth. We are already loved and accepted because we are His.

This truth should bring us incredible freedom and joy. We no longer have to live under the weight of guilt, shame, or condemnation. We can approach God with confidence, knowing that He sees us through the lens of His Son, Jesus. We are righteous, holy, and blameless in His sight, not because of anything we have done, but because of what Christ has done for us.

As we embrace our identity as children of God, it changes the way we live. We no longer have to strive to please Him or earn His favor. Instead, we can live from a place of rest and trust, knowing that He is a good Father who loves us deeply. We can enjoy our relationship with Him, spending time in His presence and experiencing the fullness of His love and grace.

Take a moment to reflect on your true identity in Christ. It’s high time you lay down the burden of trying to earn your salvation and instead embrace the free gift of sonship and daughtership that God offers us. Let’s approach Him with the confidence of a child, calling out “Abba, Father,” and knowing that He hears us and loves us unconditionally.

As we live from this place of identity, we’ll find that the Christian life becomes less about striving and more about abiding. We’ll experience the freedom and joy that comes from knowing who we are in Christ and living in the fullness of His love and grace. So let’s embrace our identity as children of God and live in the freedom and victory that He has won for us.

—–

Here is a 5-day Bible reading plan and devotional guide for your week:

Day 1: Freedom in Christ

Reading: Galatians 4:4-7 

Devotional: In Christ, we have been set free from the bondage of sin and the law. We are no longer slaves, but sons and daughters of the living God. Through faith in Jesus, we receive the full rights as God’s children and can approach Him as our loving Abba Father. Reflect on the incredible love and grace God has shown you by sending His Son to redeem you. Live each day in the freedom and joy of your identity in Christ.

—–

Day 2: Resting in God’s Love

Reading: Romans 8:35-39

Devotional: Nothing can separate us from the unfailing love of God in Christ Jesus. Not our failures, our struggles, or the trials we face in this life. God’s love for you is unconditional and unending. He sees you through the righteousness of Christ, not based on your own efforts. Rest in the security of His love today. Let it fill you with peace and hope, knowing that you are forever His beloved child.

—–

Day 3: Saved by Grace

Reading: Ephesians 2:4-9 

Devotional: Salvation is a free gift of God’s grace, not something we can earn through good works. Jesus paid the full price for our redemption on the cross. When we put our faith in Him, we are made alive in Christ and become heirs of eternal life. Meditate on the wonder of this undeserved grace today. Thank God for rescuing you and making you His own, apart from anything you have done. Walk in humble gratitude, compelled by His great love for you.

—–

Day 4: Hope in Suffering

Reading: 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

Devotional: In the midst of affliction and suffering, we can have hope in the eternal glory that far outweighs any temporary troubles. God’s presence is with us in our pain, working all things for our ultimate good and His purposes. When you feel weary or burdened, fix your eyes on the unseen hope of heaven. Let God’s comfort strengthen you and realign your perspective. Your light and momentary troubles are producing for you an eternal weight of glory.

—–

Day 5: Abiding in Christ 

Reading: John 15:4-8

Devotional: Just as a branch must remain connected to the vine to bear fruit, we must abide in Christ to experience spiritual growth and vitality. Apart from Jesus, we can do nothing of eternal value. Abiding in Him means staying rooted in His Word, communing with Him in prayer, and walking in obedience to His will. As you draw near to Jesus today, may His life flow through you, producing much fruit for God’s glory. Depend on His strength and let your life be marked by ever-increasing intimacy with your Savior.