The Firstborn

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 

Colossians 1:15 

How is Christ ‘the firstborn over all creation?’ In order to understand this, we must consider the rights and privileges of the firstborn in ancient society. The firstborn was the one who would obtain the largest portion of the inheritance. He would become the chief representative of the family. He would become the titular head of the clan with all the power and possessions that went with that. He would be responsible to lead the family, assure their survival, their prosperity and defend them. If Christ is ‘the firstborn over all creation,’ then this is His role. This is central to the discussion of redemption in the broadest sense. Whereas we think of redemption in personal terms, Christ came to redeem, not just people, but in a larger context, the whole of creation. Hence, at the end, we have a new heavens and a new earth. Christ accomplishes all this. Thus as ‘the firstborn over all creation,’ He is the Head with all authority to ensure the wellbeing of all creation. We will see the completion of this sweeping project at the end of the age.  

O God of grace and glory, 
we rejoice in Christ in every way. 
We praise You that He is the firstborn of creation.  

Tomm Tice
Where the Bush is Burning