For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. (Col 1:16–17).
As a Christian, it is essential to understand and appreciate the supremacy of Jesus Christ. Colossians 1:16-17 asserts that Christ is the creator of everything that exists, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. At the same time, this passage may be considered offensive by some who view it as exclusionary and dismissive of other belief systems. However, the question is not whether it offends but instead whether it is true.
Why hate on Jesus?
The hostility towards the name of Jesus may stem from the fact that He represents a challenge to the cultural norms and values that many people hold dear. The New Testament describes how sin entered the world through Adam's disobedience and corrupted human nature, causing a separation between God and humanity. However, as humans, we often want to be our own gods, breaking every standard God has set for us, even the subjective standards of our own making. We have committed high treason and spiritual mutiny against the father of creation.
The question of how Jesus could be God is valid, given the immense torture he endured before being nailed to the cross. The Jews of Jesus' time had a particular understanding of what the Messiah would be like, and it did not include a suffering servant who would die a criminal's death. However, despite the humble origins of Jesus and his ignominious death on the cross, the apostle Paul boldly proclaims the supremacy of Christ. This declaration is echoed in Colossians 1:15-18, where Paul exalts Christ as the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation, and the head of the church.
The resurrection changed everything.
The resurrection of Christ had a profound impact on His disciples, including the apostle Paul. Paul went from being a persecutor of the church to one of its most devoted and influential leaders. His experience on the road to Damascus convinced him that Jesus was not only the Messiah but also the Son of God. The resurrection of Christ is the foundation of the Christian faith, demonstrating God's power to conquer sin and death.
Recognizing Christ lordship
As Christians, we must recognize and appreciate the supremacy of Christ. He is the creator and sustainer of everything visible and invisible. Despite the challenges and controversies surrounding Jesus during His earthly ministry, we must recognize Him as the ultimate expression of God's love and grace. The resurrection of Christ is the foundation of our faith, demonstrating God's power to conquer sin and death. We must always hold fast to the truth of the gospel message and be willing to stake our lives on it.
Acts 17:11
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