While studying Colossians 1:15-20, I was struck by fact that the word "awesome" is both misued, overused and abused in today's vocabulary. In Webster's New World Dictionary it states that "awesome" "refers to a feeling of fearful, or profound respect or wonder inspired by the greatness, superiority, or grandeur of a person or thing & suggests an immobilizing effect." It might be true that a sunset, Fall colors, a snow-capped mountain or a new born baby might be said to be awesome, but by definition only Jesus Christ could fulfill its literal sense. Paul expains: "He is the image of God, the first born over all creation, creator & sustainer of the universe, head of the Church, first born from the dead, God's fullness in Him, reconciler & peace giver." In that sense only Jesus can be said to be truly awesome.
I. He Is Awesome In His Person (v.15)
1. Because He is the image of the invisible God (note: Col.3:10;Rom.8:29;2 Cor.3:18)
2. Because He is sovereign: "the first born over all creation" (first in rank & importance)
II. He Is Awesome In His Power (vs.16-17)
1. His creating power - "by Him all things were created" )John 1:1-3,14)
2. His controlling power - "by Him all things hold together"
III. He Is Awesome in His Position (vs.18-19)
1. He is head of the Church - (head means leader, ruler, sovereign)
2. He is the life of the Church - "all fullness dwell in Him"
IV. He Is Awesome In His Provision (v.20)
1. He reconciles us
2. He gives us His peace
In view of His awesomeness, we are given authority to represent Him to this dark world
as His shining lights. In the words of Brother Andrew: "The Lord Jesus Christ, who crushed Satan & conquered death, commands us to invade this enemy-occupied world & reclaim it for God. We march under His exclusive authority & are forbidden to make any deals with the Foe: no compromises, or concessions and no excuses."
