Click this link to hear an audio version of the below text narrated by SOTH member Jerry Rhinehart:
Colossians 1:15-21 (NIV)
15 The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. 19 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. 21 Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior.
The story of Joseph mentioned in yesterday’s devotional reading foreshadows the life of Jesus. Like Joseph, Jesus was rejected and abused. Like Joseph, Jesus was raised up and now sits enthroned at the right hand of God. Like Joseph providing for those who were starving from famine, Jesus provides eternal food for salvation through His Word and the sacraments of baptism and communion. We do things that distance ourselves from God and create animosity in our hearts and minds. But Christ has reconciled us to the Father. God also wants us to share that Good News with others through forgiveness, reconciliation and love so that everyone can have abundant and eternal life! Who in your life do you need to forgive? How can you bring reconciliation?