Harbor Park

The Firstborn From the Dead — Lord ofthe New Creation

Scripture: Colossians 1:18–20
And he (Christ) is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.

Thoughts
Last week, we looked at Christ as the Firstborn of all creation—the One who made all things and the One who holds all things together. Paul now turns our eyes from the old creation to the new creation.
“He is the beginning,the firstborn from the dead…”

Christ the Beginning
“Beginning” means source. The resurrection didn’t just prove who Jesus is—it launched a new world. A new humanity. A new creation breaking into the old.

Christ, “the Firstborn From the Dead”
Just as “firstborn” in verse 15 meant that Christ is supreme over creation, “firstborn from the dead” means He is supreme over resurrection life. He is the first to rise never to die again, the first of a new order of humanity, the first to step into the world God is making new.

Preeminentin All Things
Paul says this happened: “…so that “in everything He might have the preeminence.”
He is first in the old creation. He is first in the new creation. There is no realm where He is not Lord.
Reconciler of All Things Through His blood, Christ is restoring the universe to its rightful order—
“things in heaven and things on earth.” Everything He made is everything He now reconciles.

If you’ve ever had a rough first round—bad lines, lost discs, nothing going right—you know the relief of stepping up to the first tee of the next round. Same course, same baskets, but it feels completely different. Why? Because a new round changes everything. The old scorecard is gone. The mistakes don’t follow you. You’re not fixing the past—you’re playing in a new beginning. That’s what Christ’s resurrection is. Not a touch‑up of the old creation, but the first tee of a brand‑new one. If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. (2 Cor. 5:17).

He is the Firstborn from the dead, inviting us to live in the new creation He began.

Reflection #1
What part of your life needs to come under Christ’s leadership as Lord of the new creation?

Reflection #2
What would it look like today to live as a citizen of the new creation rather than the old?
Meditate on these things as we throw to the glory of God.

Prayer
Most Holy Father, thank you that through Christ all things are under your control and You are reconciling all things, both old and new, to yourself through Christ. May we live a life that represents who we belong to and show we are a new creation in You.
In Your name, we pray,
Amen

Contributed by Steve Franklin PDGA #194303

For more resources to help you on your journey with God,
check us out at Eagles Wings Disc Golf or Discin' Disciples

Copyright © Disc Golf Devo & Discin' Disciples, All rights reserved.

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Strength to Serve Patiently While Enduring with Joy





Scripture Reading: 1 Cor. 9-11

And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy.



Thoughts

How many people do you know who can throw a disc in excess of 1100 feet (304.8 meters)? On March 26, 2016, in the High Desert Distance Challenge near Las Vegas, Nevada, David Wiffins, Jr. did just that, throwing 1108.92 feet (338 meters).



Indeed, David Wiffins, Jr.'s feat was remarkable, but a 38–42 MPH tailwind boosted Wiggins' throw by reducing resistance and increasing lift, allowing the disc to soar farther than ever.



Wind alone wasn't all that Wiggins needed to throw far. His power, technique, and timing turned favorable conditions into a record-breaking flight.



Just as Wiggins trained to unleash his full throwing power, we train ourselves for patient service—driven not by wind, but by the unstoppable force of God's glorious might.



God gives gifts in unequal measure, whether athletic or spiritual, but He calls everyone to the same standard of faithfulness. The servants in the parable of the talents didn't earn praise for how much they received—they earned it for how they invested what they had, except for one servant who was afraid and didn't invest what he was given. For not investing his talent, he was rebuked by his master and cast out.



Wiggins didn't bury his gift—he invested it. Through disciplined practice and faithful stewardship, he turned potential into high-level performance. I, too, have invested what God has given me, yet I will never throw the way some of you do, much less like David Wiggins.



God calls all of us to use what He has given us in ministry. Yes, we should all have a ministry. However, not everyone has the same abilities. Just do your best with what God has given you, that's all He asks of us. God is the one responsible for the increase (1 Cor. 3:6,7).



We must remember: God doesn't call us to serve in our own strength. When we try, we risk burnout and failure. Just as Wiggins harnessed the wind to power his throw, we draw strength from the Lord (Eph. 6:10), who works within us—stirring our will and supplying the ability to serve (Phil. 2:13). This is a powerful reminder that our strength and ability to serve come from God, not from ourselves. As our scripture reading stated, it is the power that God provides that enables us to endure patiently while experiencing joy in the process.



Reflection #1

We serve God in the strength He provides—not in our strength. It's a comforting thought. Knowing that we're not alone in our service, but that God's strength is always there to support us. Is there evidence that your work in service for God is in His strength and not yours? Perhaps it's the patience you show when dealing with difficult people, the wisdom you display when making tough decisions, or the joy you feel when seeing the impact of your service.



Reflection #2

Does knowing that God is the one who prospers, even in your golf game, help to relieve the frustration when you don't see improvements or throw a bad shot? This reassurance should bring you comfort and peace.



Take time to meditate on working with the strength that God provides. This practice should help you stay centered and focused on your service to Him.

Now, let's go throw to the glory of God.



Prayer

Thank you, Father, for providing the strength I need to serve You. Continue to strengthen us as we do the work You have for us.

In Your name, we pray,

Amen



Steve Franklin #194303

For more resources to help you on your journey with God,
check us out at Eagles Wings Disc Golf or Discin' Disciples

Copyright © Disc Golf Devo & Discin' Disciples, All rights reserved.

Our mailing address is:
[email protected]

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