If you appreciate this work, consider supporting it - https://www.patreon.com/seekgodtogether

https://www.seekGodtogether.com

Today we will continue looking at Colossians 1. Verse 19 says, “For God was pleased to have all His fullness dwell in Him…”

We’ve been looking at the great and soaring song of Jesus in Colossians 1:15-20. Here we have the extent to which Jesus embodies the fullness of God. It’s not most of God’s fullness. It’s not even almost all of God’s fullness. Jesus possesses ALL of God’s fullness. There is none of God’s fullness that Jesus does not possess. Verse 19 continues a pattern with words like “All,” and “Every,” and “Everything.” Jesus created everything in the same way He holds everything together. There is nothing before Him and so He is before All things. He has first place in everything and in the same way has All of God’s fulness. There is nothing Jesus lacks as God. He’s not just shy of God’s fullness, He’s not almost there. He has it all - all the fullness.

Of course our minds can’t handle the fullness. We’re dealing with things vastly beyond us. We ask questions like, “Are the Father and Jesus different? Are they two Gods? How did Jesus always exist? How can the Father be fully God and Jesus be fully God without them being the same? How does the trinity work?”

There are theological words that have been developed to help us avoid a misstep. “Tri-theism” is the idea that there are three Gods as opposed to one. This is obviously a problem. Modalism is the idea that God just wears different hats. Sometimes He’s the Father, other times the Son, and now the Holy Spirit. But they’re all basically the same. Modes.

So what’s true? We use words to help understand concepts. But if the concept itself is beyond us, then our words are by definition too small in themselves. So any words we use will fall short. But what else do we have? We must press on in the mystery and try.

I prefer to think of it this way…there is God. God is invisible, immaterial, powerful and mindful beyond comprehension. This God is unknowable unless “He” creates and reveals Himself. So He did. He revealed Himself as the Great Spirit powerfully creating all things - the Father. But the Father is still distant, Holy, and unapproachable. What can God do about that? He would come intimately close - as a human. All of God in a human - Jesus. All the fullness. And in this way He is revealing more of Himself - what He’s like. Where words fail, the very Presence of God is with us.

But Jesus is still another human. Close as we can get to a person, they never see our thoughts. They never interact on a spirit level. So Jesus sends God into our spirits - the Holy Spirit. Any closer, and we’d be with God in His fullness - and indeed that is our destiny.

But for now, we write and sing soaring songs about Jesus possessing the fullness of God. Take it all in - breath Him in. God is better than You think - closer and more wonderful. Enjoy Him today.

Jesus, I can’t get enough of You - more - please more. You are what I need.

If you appreciate this work, consider supporting it - https://www.patreon.com/seekgodtogether

https://www.seekGodtogether.com

Today we will read Colossians 1:18 which says, “He is also the head of the body, the church; He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He might come to have first place in everything.”

We’ve been looking at the soaring song of Jesus in Colossians 1. If all the scholars and all the songwriters throughout the ages put their collective heads and hearts together, they could never exhaust the source material of Jesus Himself. There is never a risk to overshooting Jesus’ glory. There is no such thing in getting “out-over-your-skis” in praising Jesus. Each of us whether individually or collectively are barely scratching the surface.

So rather than believing the lie that your praise doesn’t matter, instead jump in the ocean and behold the King of Kings. And add your words to the mighty chorus that is resounding throughout the cosmos about Jesus.

“He is the head of the body, the church.” He’s the figure-head, He’s the authority, He’s the star of the show. And perhaps just put a pin in the fact that the church is the body and the body is the church. That will come in handy in other passages. For now, accept that we are mysteriously part of Christ’s own body.

“He is the beginning - the firstborn from the dead.” It is interesting to note that if the resurrection of Jesus is true (and here we believe it is), then anything that has previously died, is still dead. Anything since that has died is still dead. There is only one person, one being, one anything, one-of-a-kind, indeed One God, Who has died and then come back to life. There is no keeping God dead. And it is important because if He has not been raised, then neither will you or anyone else. If God is to resurrect anything or anyone, then He must start somewhere. Why not start with Himself? Why not start with the God-man? Indeed He has. And why is He the firstborn from the dead? Why is He the head? Paul tells us: so that He might come to have first place in everything.

Not some things. Not most things. All things. God (and Jesus by extension) is intensely focused on being in first place in all things. He doesn’t apologize for it. He isn’t embarrassed by it. And it’s not arrogant in the least. Why? Because He knows Himself to be wondrous, glorious, and beautiful. For Him to not have first place would be a massive disservice to all things - in fact it would be death. It is a gift to all things to have as their source, and their head, Jesus the King of the Universe. And any reconciled being knows this to be true. The more holy we become the more in love we will be with our head - the Firstborn. We too will fall ever deeper in love. He will relish in it and pour Himself out more freely as the ages press on. And we will recognize and glory more and more in the enterprise. So write the songs - sing the praise. It’s what you were meant for.

Jesus, You are first! Have first place in my life. Move out anything that is resistant to You being first place in all things.

If you appreciate this work, consider supporting it - https://www.patreon.com/seekgodtogether

https://www.seekGodtogether.com

Today we will read Colossians 1:17. This profound verse says, “He is before all things, and by Him all things hold together.”

If ever there was a verse to nerd out on scientifically, it’s this one. And I’m willing to go out on a limb and say that Paul could hardly understand what He was writing - yay for revelation. We may have more scientific know-how than he did, but in 10,000 years our knowledge by comparison will look elementary. But if there’s a God, and if Jesus is His image, then all science will do is further demonstrate His wisdom and power bit by bit. And His revelation to us will further reveal His goodness and beauty, from glory to glory.

But until then, let’s nerd out to the extent we can shall we? He is before all things… Energy exists in a timeless state. In order for there to be time at all, energy must be cool enough to “freeze” into matter. Matter allows for time. God, and Jesus by extension, existed before time began spinning. Whether the energy of the initial singularity was borrowed essence of God, or if that energy is separate from God is a mystery only He knows. We’ve read that Jesus is the firstborn, or preeminent One of creation. Does that mean the energy of the universe is itself of Jesus? Perhaps of Jesus and not of the Father? Do I even have a clue what I’m asking? Probably not. But it’s sure wonderful to imagine. Whatever the case - He is before it all.

And all things hold together in Him. All things. Things you see and don’t see. It turns out, the things you see are almost entirely nothing. What we call solid, is a collection of atoms. These atoms have a tiny nucleus made up of particles made up of quarks. The solidity of an atom is largely electric bonds in the nucleus. The nucleus is surrounded by a swarm of flying electrons moving in quantized packets at the speed of light. The space between the nucleus and the electrons is vast in comparison. If the nucleus were a basketball, the electrons would be 30 miles away.

Believe it or not, you could have a block of lead the size of the solar system, and shoot a neutrino through it and it will hit nothing. What you consider solid is almost entirely nothing. And given that everything is moving in quantized bits, you could say that the entire universe is digital. To you and me it seems smooth but only because the resolution is so small. In reality, the entire universe is nothing more than a digital operating system sitting on top of the solidity and mind of God. So what’s real? To us the operating system is real because it’s what we’re designed to operate within. But there’s an actual real that’s denser, truly substantial, and before the universe, beyond the universe. And it’s Jesus. He holds it all together. The operating system is His idea and it’s His power that keeps it going. You and I are the bit of graphic on the screen. We think of it as so real. It’s only real because of Him. And while the thought of this could cause us to feel small, insignificant, and almost nothing (and that’s all true), remember that we are the object of His attention, love, and romance. Walk in that today.

Jesus, I’m awestruck. I’m reminded of how little I know - how little I’m aware of. Let my mind be blown but redirected to You. Always You.

If you appreciate this work, consider supporting it - https://www.patreon.com/seekgodtogether

https://www.seekGodtogether.com

We’re continuing in Colossians 1. This is a song, possibly an early hymn, that Paul uses to teach on Jesus. Today we’ll look at verse 16 which says, “For everything was created by Him, in heaven and on earth, the visible and the invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities - all things have been created through Him and for Him.”

When you think of Jesus, what comes to mind? A man in His 30s walking about? Gentle and humble? Teaching, amazing crowds, working miracles? What is He like? What does He think? Is He a segment of the overall teaching of scripture? Is He the final bit of God’s redemptive plan?

Not according to Paul. This Jesus, the middle eastern carpenter, is not new to the scene. He’s not just really old. He’s not just the darling of the universe. No. He CREATED it! All of it! Every last bit is His design. It was His power that made it all. He did it. And this verse emphasizes some particulars. He created that which is visible - that is on earth. But guess what, that’s not all. There are invisible things also created by Him - the things of heaven. And there’s more. Paul lists a category of creation, or rather 4, that are uniquely His: thrones, dominions, rulers, and authorities. All words to denote the powerful. They are indeed 4 unique greek words. They mean something even if we can’t parse them out perfectly. But here’s what we can know - these rulers, powerful as they may be, whether visible or invisible, majestic, awful, frightening, oppressive…are all created by Him and for Him. There is literally nothing in all of creation that has any ounce of power where the name of Jesus isn’t branded all over. He is the owner. And He will accomplish exactly what He intends through it.

So you don’t need to worry. They are powerful - yes. But they too must surrender, bow the knee, and yield their power to the One Who is up to more than you, or I, or any archangel or devil could possibly imagine.

This is the Jesus of the Bible, the Jesus of Paul. Who is Jesus to you?

Jesus, I admit, I just think way too little of You. Give me a Paul-sized vision of You. Bring that to my imagination today.

If you appreciate this work, consider supporting it - https://www.patreon.com/seekgodtogether

https://www.seekGodtogether.com

Today is the first installment of several in Colossians 1. Verses 15-20 are a soaring song about Jesus. You can read it for yourself but today we’ll read verse 15 which says, “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.”

What does God look like? What IS God like and what does He do? Is there a question more important? You can spend your entire life building your own little empire, staying healthy, increasing your learning, having a family, fill in the blank, but get this question wrong, and the results could be catastrophic. There is nothing more important for you to ponder than God Himself. And this isn’t just for the religious. Everyone on earth including you has two things in common. First - you are currently alive. Second - you will eventually die. Contemplating the Creator and engaging the Creator is truly the most critical activity for a human being and every human owes it to themselves to ask the biggest questions.

Paul has an answer for the God question. God is Jesus. Jesus is God. Jesus is the image of God. Why would God need an image? Well, because God is invisible. When you picture God, what do you see? An old man, a flashing throne, an amorphous swirling glob of energy? They’re all wrong. The answer is nothing. There is nothing to see. The God of the Bible has no form, no physical features, nothing our senses can experience. Does that bother you? The implication is that without an image, without revelation, there would be no way for you or me to know or experience God.

Thankfully He has an image. Jesus Himself. An image carries the properties of the deity to people so they can understand. Zeus had images - many of them. They were all dumb lifeless statues. And as grand a statue sitting in the Parthenon may have been, it was still carved by human hands, and utterly powerless.

But not Jesus. The true God images Himself in a way humans can truly grasp - a human image. But while Jesus is a flesh and blood image, He is more. He is the quote “firstborn” over all creation.

Firstborn. Some take firstborn to mean first made. But that’s not what it says. God doesn’t birth children. But He does have a firstborn - in Greek it’s - pro-TO-tokos and means preeminent. Don’t understand it? Join the club. All we need to know is that Jesus Himself predates the manger, and the universe itself. He predates time and all, literally all of creation is His - He’s the darling of all creation - the preeminent one.

It might be enough for today to linger in the thought of a timeless Christ, the accessible image of God Himself. We don’t have to understand. It is enough to behold and worship.

Jesus, You are blowing my mind. Self-existent image of the invisible God. I am in awe of You.

If you appreciate this work, consider supporting it - https://www.patreon.com/seekgodtogether

Today we will read Jeremiah 29:12-13. It says, “You will call to me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.”

Let’s break it down. You will call - and pray. To call on God is to pray. Prayer is not a laundry list. Or passive thoughtless bliss. It’s calling on God. Just as you would call on a friend, or someone you trust. And God promises that He will listen.

You will seek and find Him. The object of your quest is not more money, more health, more…whatever… And why should it be? You have the potential of finding the inexhaustible Source of all things! Why spend a moment looking for a few extra bucks if you have unfettered access to the Federal Reserve? Why swim in the kiddie pool when the Ocean is yours? God says that the ultimate find, is God Himself.

And finally, this endless treasure is for you to find, when you “Search” when you “seek” with what? With your WHOLE heart. How do you know if you’re seeking with your WHOLE heart? Well how do you know when you do anything with your WHOLE heart? The answer is simple. You DO it. Do you want to start an exercise program? You know you’re doing it with your WHOLE heart when you DO it. You may not FEEL like doing it. You may hate it. But you do it.

You know you are seeking God with your WHOLE heart, when you DO it. And you are doing it now. So don’t fear. Instead boldly go for it. Spend a moment and ask God to show you what He’s like. You could say…

“God, I believe you listen when I call. And I’m calling out to you - that you would allow me to find You. Would you then reveal Yourself to me? I love you.”

If you appreciate this work, consider supporting it - https://www.patreon.com/seekgodtogether

Today we will read Matthew 22:36-38. Jesus is asked by one of the religious elites, “Teacher, which command in the law is the greatest?” He said to him, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and most important commandment.”

Jesus always responds well. Little known fact, Jesus most often quotes from the Psalms. But the book that comes in second is Deuteronomy. And it is here that Jesus quotes.

What is it to love God? Is there anyone who can definitively answer that? Love is something we understand at a gut level but can’t exactly pin down. What is it to love anyone? It’s at the very least strong affection. Honor. Care. Attention. Goodwill. Respect. Warmth. Deep feeling. Whatever it is exactly seems to be what moves the heart of God. God responds to love.

Maybe we’re not supposed to have an exhaustive definition. Maybe it’s not definable in words. But scripture helps. Consider what it says to love with…

Love God with your mind. That at least seems to be your thoughts. Your intentions.

Love God with your heart. This seems to be your feelings. Your emotions. The less tangible part of your thinking.

Love God with your soul. I honestly don’t know what to do with this. Once I’ve engaged my mind and heart, what is left? But there seems to be something - the soul. The real you. The deepest you. Love God with that. That will touch heaven.

“God I love You - You are absolutely lovely and attractive. But I want more. My soul needs to be set on fire by You - then I’ll be able to love you more and more.”

If you appreciate this work, consider supporting it - https://www.patreon.com/seekgodtogether

Today is a little different. We will look at Genesis 1 as a whole. We don’t have time to read all of it here but it wouldn’t take you long on your own. We’re going to hit some highlights. And as we do, ask yourself - can I trust this? Is there enough here to have confidence not just in God, but in what God communicates…

Let’s begin. First, Genesis 1 was written anywhere from 2600 to 3400 years ago. Many would say without question that it was written by Moses, while others disagree. Whoever it was, consider that it was written thousands of years before any modern conventions of science.

Genesis 1 is written in ancient Hebrew - a language with relatively few words - 7000ish - as compared to say English which has 175,000. This means that one Hebrew word is packed with meaning and can be used more flexibly.

Genesis 1 has 31 verses that don’t have the luxury of changing with new discoveries. It is what it is - it says what it says. And the first statement is the boldest of all. In the beginning… the Greeks argued that the universe is eternal, and that view was widely held until the Hubble gave evidence of the Big Bang, the singularity, the…whatever you call it… a beginning. Genesis 1 beat the Hubble to it.

Now consider the claims of Genesis 1 that shockingly correspond to modern earth science. First, the early earth was chaotic but soon covered entirely in water. When dry land eventually emerged, primitive life soon followed. Afterwards the atmosphere allowed the appearance of the sun, moon, and stars through what was otherwise a translucent atmosphere. Advanced life began not on land but in the oceans with an incredible creative, explosive act. The earth participated in bringing about land animals. And last on the scene right towards the end of it all - humans.

There are protests of course. But let’s just focus on one - the quote unquote “creation” of the sun on day 4. Remember what we said about Hebrew words. That’s important. And Hebrew actually has 3 words used to describe what God does in creating and forming.

First is “bara” which is to create out of…nothing. This word is only used 3 times - at the very beginning and then not again until day 5 with the explosion of animal life in the oceans. Google “Cambrian Explosion” for more on that. And the last time the word is used is in the creation of the human soul.

The second word is “asah” and means to form. God formed man’s body out of existing stuff, but “bara” created the soul.

The third word is “hayah” and means to appear. It is this word that is used of the sun, moon, and stars on day 4. It is perfectly plausible that Genesis 1 is stating that the celestial bodies, rather than coming into existence on day 4, were rather made apparent.

We’ve only scratched the surface. We haven’t addressed how long a day is - does it have to be 24 hours? Did Adam have a bellybutton, who did Cain marry… these are all great question and there are many great physicists, theologians, and experts in a variety of fields who have done wonderful work harmonizing Genesis 1 and then some to modern science. But figuring it all out isn’t really the goal. We began by asking, is there enough to confidence not just in God, but in what He communicates. There will always be rocks to uncover and mysteries to solve, but thousands of years ago this ancient was written with startling accuracy. The real question, will you use it as a springboard to seek God?

God you’re amazing. And whatever You did, and however long it took, I do trust You. And more importantly, I seek You - I need You. Let me experience You more.