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Colossians 1 - Jesus is First Place In Everything
Colossians 1 - Jesus is First Place In Everything
Jesus is spoken of as being ‘the First born’ in this section of Colossians. He is the firstborn of all creation (vs. 15), and the firstborn from the dead (vs. 18).
The concept of ‘firstborn’ has a basic meaning of ‘first in time’. Esau was the firstborn, for he was born first. In the plagues of Egypt, all of the firstborn of both man and beast died (Exod. 11:5). Jesus himself was born first of all the children of Mary (Luke 2:7).
Yet, here in Colossians, it refers not to point of time but to position. This also was a common way of using this word. David, generally recognized as the greatest king of all the kings of Israel, was made the ‘firstborn of God, higher than the kings of the earth. We read in Psalms 89:27: “I also shall make him My firstborn, The highest of the kings of the earth.” David was not the first in time, there were many kings in the nations, and even Saul was king before him. David was not even the first born (in time) of his own family (1 Sam. 17:12-13).
Also, the whole nation of Israel was called God’s firstborn (Exod. 4:22), although there were many people who were not born first in their families. Then, God gave them a law that they were not to take the one who was NOT the first one born and ‘make him’ to be the ‘firstborn’! They were not to treat a 2nd child as the most important. To give him the privileges, blessings, and position of what was to be given to the one born first (cp. Deut. 21:16).
Here in Colossians, Jesus is firstborn of creation, NOT because he was ‘created first, but because “by Him all things were created…. All things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and all things hold together (by Him) (Col. 1:16-17).
Then He is firstborn of the dead, not that he was the first to rise from being dead, but “so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything” (vs. 18).
He is to be given first place in EVERYTHING: A name above all names, King of Kings, Lord of Lords. Such position and preeminence IS given to Him in heaven. Is he first in your life?
Hugh DeLong
