Who has the Final Word?

A Reflection for Thursday, March 5 by Jillian Evans

Lectionary reading for 03/05/2026 Psalm 95; Exodus 16:1-8; Colossians 1:15-23

Selected passage for reflection: Colossians 1:15-23

Read

Colossians 1:15-23 New International Version

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[a] your evil behavior. 22 But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation— 23 if you continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.

Reflect

In a time when our country feels like a house divided against itself, Colossians 1:15–23 offers a grounding truth that cuts through the noise of the news cycle. We are currently surrounded by "thrones, powers, rulers, and authorities"—forces that Paul specifically mentions in verse 16. In our modern context, these are the political machines, the polarized media, and the ideologies that demand we choose a side and treat the "other" as an enemy.

The fracture in our society is deep, and the tension is high. It often feels like the very fabric of our communities is tearing at the seams. Yet, Paul presents a reality that overrules our current chaos: "He is before all things, and in him all things hold together."

This isn't an abstract idea; it is a practical anchor. When the headlines suggest that everything is unraveling, this passage reminds us there is a power more ancient and more certain than any government or movement. Christ is the "firstborn over all creation," meaning He has the final word over the mess we find ourselves in. While we are busy trying to fix things through rhetoric or policy, Paul points us to the One who sustains our very breath and existence.

The most striking part of this passage is the move toward reconciliation. In a culture that thrives on being "alienated" and "hostile in mind," Christ’s work is the exact opposite. He "made peace through his blood, shed on the cross" to bring together what was broken.

If Christ is the one holding the world together, we don't have to carry the weight of the country on my shoulders. 

We can breathe. Our hope doesn't have to rise and fall with the latest poll or protest. Instead, we can stand on the firm faith mentioned in verse 23, trusting that even in a fractured nation, the King of kings is still on His throne, and He is not letting go.

Respond

• Release the Weight: Identify one political anxiety that keeps you stressed.. Mentally hand it over to the Lord, repeating the phrase, "You are before this, and You hold this together."

• Curate Your Intake: For one day, replace the time you spend reading political commentary with time spent in the Gospels. Intentionally shift your focus from the "rulers and authorities" of the earth back to the One who is "the head of the body." 

Rest

Lord, You are the head of all things, and nothing is outside of Your reach. When our country feels like it is falling apart, thank You for holding us together. Calm my heart, steady my mind, and help me to be a person of peace in a divided world. Amen.

About the Author

Jillian, a graduate of North Park Seminary, is a spiritual director in Chicago. She and her husband have three amazing adult children and are enjoying this phase of life while traveling the world.