(Begin with 1-2 minutes of silence)
Colossians 1:15 Christ is the visible image of the invisible God.
As you interact with others about the Christian faith, you will inevitably hear some puzzling questions about Christianity. Some may ask questions like:
- How could a good God allow bad things to happen?
- If God is good, why did He create evil?
It’s important to note that these questions are not all at all new. In Paul’s day, the people of Colosse were asking and debating similar questions. Paul addresses questions such as these in Colossians 1:15-20.
A number of New Testament scholars believe that Colossians 1:15-20 was an early Christian hymn which presented foundational Christian beliefs. The first half declares Jesus was God in the flesh and that He is responsible for all of creation. The second half of the hymn advances forward to declare that He is also the One who reconciles creation back to Himself. In other words, this brief hymn proclaims the goodness of God, identifies His goodness is evident in creation, and reveals He is reconciling all good things back to Himself.
READING & PRAYERS:
COLOSSIANS 1:15-20 (also read the commentary notes in your Study Bible of choice.)
QUESTION: Think of a time in your life when you wrestled with questions like, How could a good God allow bad things to happen? In what ways does today’s reading reveal the goodness and graciousness of God and His love?
DIGGING DEEPER: Take the opportunity to discover at least 5 verses that describe how God sees you. (Example: John 1:12 declares that all who believe in him have a right to be called children of God. “God sees me as his child.”) Discover at least 5 additional verses that describe how God sees you.
Take a Step: Practice listening to God by utilizing the One Minute Pause app at least twice a day.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, it seems to me that Your greatest enemy would want me to question You and Your goodness. As such, it is clear that when these thoughts come into my mind, they are not from You, but from the Enemy. Continue to help me recognize which of my thoughts come from You, and which of my thoughts may go against You and Your Word. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
(End with 1-2 minutes of silence.)
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