These devotionals will serve as a guide for your time with the Lord
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Opening Prayer
-- Song: "Living Waters"
Devotional #28: "Hymn About Jesus"
Scripture
Colossians 1:15-23
15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16 For by[a] him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. 17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. 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[b] under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister. Devotional #28: "Hymn About Jesus"
People usually write poems when they experience something that is so beautiful that they are at a loss for words. The sight and sound of Niagara Falls is too awesome for just simple descriptions. Our love for our parents, spouses, children, and friends can’t be summarize in just a few words. Instead, we use metaphors, rhymes, and other conventions to try to capture how the beauty of what we see, or experience makes us feel.
In Colossians 1:15-20, Paul writes a poem about Jesus! We call this type of poem a “hymn.” Hymns are a special type of poem that is meant to “praise.” For Paul, the beauty of Jesus has captured his imagination. Our imaginations must also be captured by the beauty of Jesus. We do not worship a philosophy or a method of living, but a beautiful Savior who loves us. Questions
Devotional #29: "Jesus Is God"
Scriptures
Colossians 1:15-23 & Philippians 2:5-7
15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16 For by[a] him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. 17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. 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[b] under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister.
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5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,[a] 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped,[b] 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant,[c] being born in the likeness of men.
Devotional #29: "Jesus Is God"
Jesus is the second person of the Holy Trinity. We speak of the Godhead, with the three persons being the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit. All three of these persons existed before time, “one in substance, power, and eternity” (Westminster Confessions Chapter 2.3).
As created beings, we will never fully comprehend the mystery of the Trinity. However, we see the marks of the Trinity in creation. For instance, we are both individuals, uniquely made. Each of us are special in God’s sight. Yet, we cannot thrive on our own. We need community! We need one another. Have you ever felt yourself swaying from, “I need time on my own,” to “I need people.” Both are true! The Father, Son and Holy Spirit are distinct persons who live in perfect harmony. We are both individual and social creatures because we were made in the image of the Triune God. Questions
How are some ways you’ve tried to understand the Trinity?
*Deep Question. Jesus being God is a necessary condition for our salvation. If Jesus were just a person or even an angel, our salvation could not be secured. Why is this?
Devotional #30: "All Things Made For Jesus"
Scripture
Colossians 1:15-23
15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16 For by[a] him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. 17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. 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[b] under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister. Devotional #30: "All Things Made For Jesus"
The hymn speaks of Jesus being the creator. He created the heavens and the earth, all things visible and invisible. John 3:3 helps us to understand that Jesus is the Word of God and that “all things were made through him.” Jesus was the words that God spoke in Genesis 1 that brought all things into existence.
The hymn also speaks of Jesus being the sustainer of all Creation, “…in him all things hold together.” The reason why all of creation works is because Jesus is the one holds it together. Every atom, cell, or creature, and every relation, political or family, all work because of Jesus’ sustaining power. Lastly, the hymn speaks about the purpose of Creation. All things were made “for him.” All of creation brings Jesus glory and honor. We should marvel at how the world continues to function. The mysteries in our physical worlds and the ways that human beings can cooperate and create all point to our Creator. We give praise to Jesus! Questions
Prayer Time
(Closing prayer by head of household) -- Lord's Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy Name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.
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