| “He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” |
| —Colossians 1:17 |
At the time of the year just passed, we think of Jesus as a baby born in a stable in Bethlehem. We imagine Him in the arms of His mother, Mary, with her adoring husband, Joseph, looking on in wonder. We hear the chorus of angels proclaim the birth of the Messiah to the shepherds watching their sheep on the hillside. Then, we see the shepherds arrive at the stable to honor the birth of the Messiah.
(Did you know that the word “Christ” is the New Testament Koine Greek word for “Messiah”? So, when we say, “Jesus the Christ,” we are saying, “Jesus the Messiah.”)
But, Jesus is so much more than a helpless baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger. He is God the Son. He is the Creator and Sustainer of all things. Notice what the Apostle Paul writes in Colossians 1:15-17:
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. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.
On this Inaugeration Day, many will celebrate the return of a national leader who will reverse the travesty of the last four years. But perhaps others will despair about some of our elected officials. No matter what you may think of them, they exist in their positions of power only because Jesus allows it. I know, I know, that is to some an almost unconscionable thought. Nevertheless, that is exactly what this passage of Scripture indicates. And, it is even clearer in the original New Testament Koine Greek language.
Now, we may not have any idea why God would want such ones in power. But, if we believe His written Word—and we who follow Jesus most cetainly do—then we have no other conclusion than to accept the reality that confronts us. The Apostle Paul further instructs us in 1 Timothy 2:1-3:
I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior …
Jesus is the One through whom all things are created. And, all the more so, all things hold together. Every aspect of our universe continues to function as it does because of the holding-together power of Jesus. Every system on this earth continues to function as God intends it because of the holding-together power and conforming power of Jesus. Nothing man does can interfere with God’s divine power over all creation.
As we begin a new day, we can watch the sun rise and glorify God that He causes it to rise each day. We can proceed through the timeline of our day, knowing that every second is accountable to God. We can relax into His loving arms, knowing that He cares for us in such a loving way that nothing will befall us that is outside of His perfect will for us.
