From autumn of 2008 through April 2009, the country of South Africa was run by temporary or acting officials. When President Thabo Mbeki quit, after being accused of interfering in a court case, an acting president was elected along with an acting deputy. So the president and deputy were temporary, as well as the national police commissioner, national prosecutor, port authority chief, South African Airways officials, and the public broadcaster’s top three positions.
Paul assured his readers in Colosse that the universe was not in limbo and was not in the hands of a temporary appointee. Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God, is holding it together (Colossians 1:17). Although there were many solutions for cosmic unity floating around during Paul’s day, He presented Christ not only as Creator but also as the glue that holds the natural world together. What Christ created, He maintains in permanent order, stability, and productivity. Paul was communicating that Jesus is the source of the cohesiveness or solidarity of the entire universe. And, among all potentates—natural and supernatural—Jesus Christ has no rival for the lordship of the universe.
Because Jesus holds the universe together, there are several implications for us as His followers. When national or global trouble comes and tragedy strikes, we should find hope in the fact that Christ is in control. He is not surprised by a sluggish economy, natural disasters, or global unrest. Also, we won’t ever have to worry about Him quitting or assigning an acting official to run the world. We can confidently know that He is good and will do what is best.
When our life seems to break into pieces, we can trust Jesus to bring back order, stability, and productivity. By His power, He will hold it together.
More:
The Son radiates God’s own glory and expresses the very character of God, and He sustains everything by the mighty power of His command (Hebrews 1:3).
Next:
How are you encouraged by the truth that Jesus holds the world together? What part of your crumbling world do you need to turn over to Him?
bethanyF on February 18, 2010 at 8:24 am
I feel like my world is crumbling quite often. This devotional helped me to remember that God is in control. God is Great.
Debi on February 18, 2010 at 11:18 am
It’s amazing how often I need to be reminded that God is in control – and, combined with the fact that He loves me – why do I worry so much?
regina franklin on February 18, 2010 at 2:19 pm
Dear Marvin,
Powerful words. When you said, “What Christ created, He maintains in permanent order, stability, and productivity” your words reminded me that it is true for both the world at large and the microcosmic events in our personal lives. Thanks for the reminder that He is not only in control, but He is more than capable of creating “order, stability and productivity” on a permanent basis with things we don’t yet see or understand.
MommaJ on February 18, 2010 at 3:32 pm
I try always to remember “It came to pass” Bad times will pass and so will the good. Helps me to live in the moment and know that nothing but God and His Word last more than a season in my life.