Morning Devotional 092224 Embrace the Invisible Gifts of God

Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room

  September 22, 2024

Colossians 1:15-17

15 The Son is the image of the invisible God, the one who is first over all creation, 16 Because all things were created by him: both in the heavens and on the earth, the things that are visible and the things that are invisible. Whether they are thrones or powers, or rulers or authorities, all things were created through him and for him. 17 He existed before all things, and all things are held together in him.

Good Morning! Happy Lord’s Day and the beginning of a new season!

One of my favorite parts of fall is the changing and falling of the leaves. Leaves don’t fall straight down but do a little dance in their last hurrah as they swirl and twirl in the breeze. Let's take a moment to marvel at the fact that God, in His infinite wisdom, created all things: the visible and the invisible.

It is fascinating to consider invisible things. An obvious one is the air. I sit and look out my window, and I know the air is there, but I cannot see it. However, we can see the movement of air, as evident in the fluttering of leaves and the birds flapping their wings. 

The passage mentions power. Is power visible or invisible? It is contrasted with thrones, which indicates it’s invisible. Think for a moment about someone you would consider to be powerful: maybe a community leader or a judge. Does simply the attachment of a title give someone power? 

In earthly terms, is power equated with justice or injustice? Think of those who abuse their power at the expense of others. Jesus came and exemplified a new power: a heavenly power. Jesus had no reason to dress as a king or sit on a manmade throne representing power because he embodied the invisible power of God.

Jesus stood in contrast to the leader's construct of power because his power came from within, not from the earthly ornaments of power that adorned earthly leaders. Jesus came to share this power with all who believe through the Holy Spirit we receive at Baptism.  

Faithful God, Thank you for creating us. Help us look to those who exhibit divine power and work to serve all. Thank you! In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen

Thought for the day: The Holy Spirit comforts and guides us.

Embrace the invisible gifts of God! Pastor Liz