Colossians

Composite of photographs combined with digital painting

Visualizing Colossians

This image communicates some of the major themes found in the book of Colossians. It’s my hope that months or even years from now church members can think back and remember this image, which will help us recall the things Cabot preached, and the Biblical truths that the Apostle Paul revealed to us.

Jesus Makes God Visible

“The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 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.”

-Colossians 1:15,16

The earth, sky, grass, and trees recall God’s creation. The strong tree is meant to be an analogy for this verse. The tree has a trunk which can be seen, but also has an elaborate root structure which cannot be seen. The roots symbolize God the father, hidden from our sight but at the same time very real. The top of the tree - trunk, leaves, branches - symbolizes Jesus who was seen by the eyes of many.

Growing in the Knowledge of God

“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.”

-Colossians 2:6,7

The roots are also a reminder for us to remain connected to Christ so that we can be strong in our faith. We can do this through things like prayer, thankfulness, reading and meditating on Scripture, and being connected to fellow Christians, to name a few.

Deceptive Philosophy.
“See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ”
-Colossians 2:8

The tree on the left without any root structure is beginning to tip. This is a picture of what can happen if we are not continuing to live our lives rooted in Christ. We leave ourselves open to be taken captive by things not Christian, by worldly philosophies.

© Keith Brabender 2017