The Gospel for every creature
Category : Lent Devotions
Colossians 1:19-23
19 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.
21 And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, 22 he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him, 23 if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation[a] under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister.
Paul writes in his letter to the church at Colossae about the gospel which has been proclaimed to every creature. It’s not only for humans who once were alienated from God, but also concerns the rest of the creation. Through our evil behaviour – our sin- our relationship with God was broken, and at the same time more relationships were broken too.
1. Relationship with God
2. Relationship with self
3. Relationship with others
4. Relationship with all creation
If four relationships were broken, then there are four relationships that also need to be restored. And this is exactly what Jesus did through His precious blood, shed on the cross: He brought salvation (achieving reconciliation with God), sanctification (leading to reconciliation with self), koinonia (enabling reconciliation with others) and reconciliation with creation.
“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16 NIV). Jesus did not only come for us humans but for the whole world, for all creation. So let’s join along with the sun and moon who praise His name! (see Psalm 148)
So with regard to this, what does Paul mean with “continue in your faith, established and firm, and not move from the hope held out in the gospel”?
If Jesus reconciled all things to Himself by making peace through His blood, are we not also called to follow in his footsteps and live in peace – peace with God, ourselves, others and creation? How could you live out this peace today with God, with yourself, with others and with creation?
What practical steps can you take?
Heavenly Father, creator of all the universe, thank you for making us holy and blameless in your sight through Jesus’ blood and thank you for bringing your peace in this world. Help us to glorify you by living in peace with you, with ourselves, with others and your wonderful creation. In Jesus’ name. Amen.