He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. [Colossians 1:17, ESV]

 

About 30 years after the death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus we have a letter written by the Apostle Paul to Christian living in Colossae (modern day Turkey).

 

Colossians is a wonderful letter to read and it reminds us that Jesus Christ is Lord over all of creation, including the invisible realm.  The letter speaks first and supremely of the incomparable Christ.

 

In verse 17 of chapter one, Paul writes that Jesus is the sustainer of creation and that in Him all things hold together. We learn that Jesus is at the heart of the universe and that He has supreme authority and that in him all things hold together.

 

That little phrase, in him all things hold together, resonates through Colossians chapter one as if to underline that there is absolutely nothing outside the power and authority of Jesus.  Verse 16 reveals that the forces, the powers, the authorities, the things we cannot control, the things that frighten us… nothing from the past, nothing in the present, nothing for the future, absolutely nothing is outside the scope of His creation authority.

 

Therefore, no matter what headline might confront us, no matter what natural disaster, or global epidemic, or financial crisis or election result… it is Christ who is ultimately in control. There was and always will be only one Lord and all others exist only beneath his sovereign control.

 

Paul writes these things because he wants us to see and to feel and to believe that Christ is invincible.  If you are the Lord’s disciple, you are secure forever in Christ.  The good news is that absolutely nothing that this life or the world can throw at you can separate you from God’s amazing love.

 

…he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. [Colossians 1:17, ESV]

 

Most loving Father, you will us to give thanks for all things, to dread nothing but the loss of you, and to cast all our care on the One who cares for us. Preserve us from faithless fears and worldly anxieties, and grant that no clouds of this mortal life may hide from us the light of that love which is immortal, and which you have manifested unto us in your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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