For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist.
Colossians 1:16-17 (NKJV)
Yesterday we examined Christ as the Creator. He is responsible for both the material universe with all its complexities and the spiritual transformation that occurs in the lives of those who follow Him. But there's another aspect of His creative role that deserves our consideration.
The Bible tells us that all things consist in Jesus.
In the original Greek, the word used here for consist means to "hold together." This means that Jesus not only created everything that exists, but also actively holds everything together and controls it in such a way that all is found in its proper frame.
Have you ever wondered what would happen if the earth started to slip out of orbit, gravity suddenly stopped, or the oceans decided to surge over their shorelines?
Did you know that if Jupiter's mass and gravitational pull were to change, it would affect our ability to live on Earth?
Or have you ever considered that every atom consists of particles that (on paper) should split up and release a deadly discharge of atomic energy?
These catastrophes don't happen because all things consist in Jesus. He is in control of everything, even the things we don't see, appreciate, or know about.
Remember this the next time you're tempted to doubt Christ's ability to control the conditions of your life. When you're faced with an insurmountable need and have no idea where the resources will come from, when the doctors and specialists can't figure out what's wrong, when you feel like your heart has been shattered beyond repair, trust that Christ is in control.
All things, including our lives, consist in Him, and He will be faithful to hold us together in both this world and the next.
Discuss a time in your life when you felt overwhelmed and out of control.
Dig into Colossians 1:15–20. How do the truths of these verses impact your perspective on life?
Decide to make the truth that “all things consist in Jesus” a reality in your life.
This week, when unexpected events take you by surprise, return to Colossians 1:16-17 and thank God for His sovereign control over all things.
