He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by 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. (Colossians 1:15-16)

“He is the image of the invisible God.” He—Jesus. These verses leave no ambiguity: Jesus is not just from God, He is God. He is the Creator, not the created (Genesis 1:1-3; John 1:1-4, John 1:14; Hebrews 1:1-3). Every corner of creation—things visible and invisible, heaven and earth—was made through Him and for Him.

Some still scoff at the idea that Jesus is God, claiming the Bible never says it. But even the Pharisees knew what Jesus was claiming (John 8:56-59; John 10:24-33). They picked up stones because He made Himself equal with God. Denial doesn’t change truth. I could deny gravity exists, but that wouldn’t stop it from holding me to the earth. Likewise, Jesus’ divinity stands, whether acknowledged or not.

We were made in His image (Gen. 1:27), and not only through Him but for Him. And yet how often we mar that image with sin, chasing identity in anything but Him. But here’s the beauty: Jesus, the very image of God, took on flesh and allowed Himself to be marred for our sin. Now, by His Spirit, we are being transformed—one degree of glory at a time (2 Corinthians 3:17-18).

We were created for a purpose. Let’s live like it. Not marring His image, but maturing into it.

He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. (Colossians 1:13-14)

These two verses are packed with powerful, foundational truths—and every word is worth sitting with.

He—the Father—delivered us. The word implies more than just rescue; it means He drew us to Himself, pulling us from the grip of darkness where we were once under the influence of sin and domain of satan. That domain had strength, power, and bondage. But God didn’t stop at rescue.

He also transferred us—from one place to another. Our position changed. We were moved from darkness into the kingdom of the Son He loves—a kingdom defined by love (agape), because God is love. In that kingdom, we aren’t just rescued—we’re redeemed. Jesus paid the ransom, releasing us from the penalty and bondage of our sins.

And not only are we redeemed—we’re also forgiven. That word in the original language means “released,” “pardoned,” as if the sins were never committed. That’s how completely God has dealt with our past.

By the will of the Father, the obedience of the Son, and the indwelling of the Spirit, we have been delivered, transferred, redeemed, and forgiven.

So live in that freedom. Live in love. Let your mindset and position reflect the kingdom you now belong to—where Christ is King, and grace abounds.

being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy; giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. (Colossians 1:11-12)

The strength we receive isn’t random—it’s purposeful. Paul says we are strengthened with all power according to His glorious might—not our own—for all endurance and patience with joy, giving thanks to the Father. That kind of strength doesn’t come from sheer willpower. It comes from the Spirit of God (Zechariah 4:6).

But why do we need strength for endurance and patience? Because spiritual maturity is forged in the fire. Trials test the genuineness of our faith, and as James tells us, we’re to count it all joy when we face them. Why? Because we know what it’s producing and the joy of the Lord is our strength (Nehemiah 8:10). When we zoom out and look at the bigger picture, we begin to see that what we’re enduring is producing something far more valuable: maturity, perseverance, faith.

And then comes the gratitude. Because all of this—the strength, the growth, the hope—is ours only because the Father has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in light (John 12:46). Jesus came as light so we could walk in it. We ought to be thankful for this remarkable truth in our lives.

So even in trial, we rejoice. We give thanks. We endure with joy, because we’ve been strengthened by His power and qualified by His grace. That’s reason enough to lift our heads and keep going.