There are some parts of scripture that are easy to study bit by bit, taking phrases and sentences apart and holding them up to the light.

And then there are others, rich passages that make you hesitate because they are so strong and so lovely and so perfect that your heart aches with the eternity in their words.

We’ve arrived at one of those in The Colossians Project.

Paul has finished the introduction to his letter. Now, he writes words of both intimacy and power — most likely phrases from hymns he has sung around fires with friends and in the depths of prisons — about the One whom he met on the road to Damascus, over 25 years before.

Before we dive in to these truths about Jesus over the next few weeks, I wanted you to see the passage today as one complete and glorious Story. Read it slowly — out loud if you can:

The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.

He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.

For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. Colossians 1:15-20

This is your Savior, friend. The One who delivered you.

All things have been created for Him and through Him. In Him all things hold together.

And yet this Majesty — this Glory — this Infinite and Unchangeable Hero — keeps count of your tossings and turnings. He collects your tears in a bottle. They are written in His book (Psalm 56:8).

Bow in humble worship today.

Then raise your head high and fight on, O sons and daughters of the King.

Read the next post in The Colossians Project.