“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For 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.”
Paul declares openly Jesus is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. Christ is the exact likeness of God. Jesus not only shows who God is, but who man should be. Man was created in God's image. This doesn't mean eyes, nose, hands, and feet. This relates to essence and character. Man can love. Man can think. Man has a spirit and creative abilities. The question is how does He use that? As it is written. "You who have seen me have seen the Father. I and the Father are one."
He is "the firstborn over all creation." The firstborn of all Jewish families became its head. So Christ is the head of creation with greater authority. He began it, governs it, judges it, and obedience is not an option, but eternal mandate. Psalm 89:27 uses that idea saying of Solomon, "I will make him my first born, higher than the kings of the earth." In Exodus 4:22 Lord calls Israel “the firstborn of God” meaning they were His chosen, honored, and favored of God.
The creator is mentioned also in John 1:1-4. “In the beginning was the word and the word was with God and the word was God the same was in the beginning.” He was more than what their mind was making Him. He created all things. No wonder the winds and waves obeyed Jesus. No wonder He could heal. No wonder He could walk on water. No wonder He could curse a fig tree and it would wither and die. He created all things.
“For all things were created by him and for him.” I made a clay pot at camp. That attempt brought alive that passage in Bible of the pot and clay with vessels that aren't right so clumping it all together I had to try again. I did that so many times. Until finally one worked. I was seeking to get the technique on the potter’s wheel. I was making a bowl, something to use to put stuff in. It was made by me and for me. To the best of my experience and training I made it the way I wanted it to be so that I might either sit back and admire it or redo it. No one else would, nor would they put food in it, but I could destroy it, keep it, or give it away if I wanted.
Application: Jesus created all things and all things were made by Him and for Him. We are like those pots for Christ's use. Are we being used for His glory or for ours? If the pot is cracked and unusable, it must be discarded. Are you a vessel of use for Christ, for we are part of His creation?
Prayer: I thank you that you have chosen me, “a lump of clay” and placed me on Your “potter’s wheel”. I recognize that sometimes you have to smooth my rough edges, maybe even crush me a bit to perfect Your image in me to make me pliable, moldable and usable. Use me for Your Glory I pray.
