19For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.  Colossians 1:19-20

How do kings and the leaders of our world make peace? Any serious consideration of the question requires us to just as quickly contemplate, how do they make war, wield power, and create friendships? We can learn lots about a leader in how she approaches conflict.

The Gospel shows us our conflict. It takes our earthly situation, enmity with God, and shows us God’s character. Colossians 1:19-20 is full of the Gospel.

In Colossians we see not only that Jesus is King of Creation, He is also King over the New Creation. And just as He is the creator of the stuff of earth, He is also the creator of the new creation. The new creation begins with the reconciliation of people into the communion of God through Christ Jesus and it will find its completion in the creation of a new heaven and earth. The church is the fruit of Jesus’ peace-making work at the Cross.

Taking on flesh, Jesus comes to humanity full of God in order to reconcile all of creation to Himself. This peace-making could only be done through his death on the cross, to give us redemption, the forgiveness of sins. Forgiveness always costs. Jesus is the King of all Creation, and He is our peace. He gave Himself fully for our forgiveness and inclusion in His Kingdom.

All praise to Jesus, our peace!