“In him all things hold together.” ~Colossians 1:17

By bridging the gap between God and creation in himself, Christ Jesus unites the whole universe. This beautiful section of Colossians 1 states it over and over again by his repetition of the word for “all things:”

Colossians 1:15 – the first born over all creation
v.16 – by him all things were created
v.16 – all things were created by him
v.17 – he is before all things
v.17 – in him all things hold together
v.18 – in everything he might have the supremacy
v.20 – through him to reconcile all things

I think sometimes we’re inclined to emphasize Christ’s work in redemption and salvation too individualistically. That’s between her and Jesus. It only involves me and my Lord. That’s going to be up to God and him. This is about Jesus and me. You ask me how I know he lives? He lives within my heart. Yes, he does. Of course. But it’s bigger than that. The reign of Christ Jesus is never ever confined to my own existence or to the property lines of my church parking lot or to the national borders of my nation. It’s universal and eternal! Christ reigns supreme over all, over all things. The whole universe. The whole world in his loving hand.

These verses are a  celebration of human impossibilities that have become God’s possibilities: reconciliation, renewal, salvation, peace. We always want to assume that the status is quo, that things will and must remain the way they are. A lot of the time we can’t even imagine there’s a way to really improve much of anything. Paul’s words in Colossians 1 affirm to us that wonders have not ceased! Possibilities not dreamed of can happen! And hope is an authentic position to take!

Peace,

Allan