"King of the Hill" October 18 Readings: Jeremiah 39-40, Colossians 1:1–23, Psalm 118:25–29, Proverbs 25:15–16

Today's Readings - Jeremiah 39-40, Colossians 1:1–23, Psalm 118:25–29, Proverbs 25:15–16

Devotional - King of the Hill

Did you ever play "King of the Hill" when you were a kid? We'd find a pile of dirt or rocks and one guy would stand on top, declaring himself the king. Everyone else would try to scramble and scrape their way to the top, throwing down anyone who stands in the way.

In this world, this giant hill of dirt, there is a king already established - seated firmly on the throne. There is no threat to that throne, no one who can dislodge him from his place. The one who is king of the hill today will be tomorrow and for all time.

His name is Jesus.

Colossians 1:15-20 describes the greatness and glory of Christ, exalting him as preeminent over all things on this earth - the king of this entire hill. And because he is the king, he is the one our lives are supposed to be about. He is our "hope of glory" (1:27).

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.16 For everything was created by him,in heaven and on earth, the visible and the invisible,whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through him and for him.17 He is before all things, and by him all things hold together.18 He is also the head of the body, the church;he is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead,so that he might come to have first place in everything.19 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him,20 and through him to reconcile everything to himself,whether things on earth or things in heaven,by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.

Something had happened in Colossae and people had forgotten that. They were focused on other things - festivals, rituals, myths, arcane teachings. But they'd forgotten Jesus and that was a mistake that Paul did not want anyone to make because everything was about him, the world exists for him, and he is the one who has done everything needed for our lives both eternally and temporally.

He is not only the king of the hill, he is the king of love, mercy, and grace.

Father, thank you for your Son, the King of kings and Lord of lords. He is supreme not only over the entire universe but also over my heart. 

Think and Pray

Which of the readings spoke most powerfully to you today?
Is the Spirit of God moving you to repent of something you are doing, to begin something new, or to change something about your life as a result of your readings? What?

Read through Colossians 1:15-20 and write down all the character qualities and great works of Christ. Spend time in praise of the glory and greatness of our Savior.