In reading this passage from Paul’s letter to the Colossian Church, the word “all” or “everything” is noted seven times. This speaks of the majesty, the sovereignty, the wonder of our great Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. “For by him all things were created in heaven and on earth” (Colossians 1.16). As the second person of the Trinity, Jesus was actively involved in the creation of “all things;” all which exists was created by Him. “All things were created through him and for him” (1.16). “All things” were created for Him, for His glory and in His good pleasure. All of creation will someday bow in humble adoration and praise of the Sovereign Lord who intricately and specifically created all existence with and for purpose. “He is before all things” (1.17). There was nothing which existed before the Lord; He is eternal God.
“In him all things hold together” (1.17). Our Lord sustains all things by His mighty power; nothing which exists could exist or remain existing if it were not for the supreme power of the Lord. As He holds all of creation together, so He also holds us together in every experience of life, providing for us precisely what we need in every situation. “He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent” (1.18). In all things He is “preeminent;” our Lord has absolute authority over all creation. There is none greater, none able to usurp His Throne, none other who is eternal, none other who is sovereign. “In him all the fulness of God was pleased to dwell” (1.19). Jesus Christ is fully God. “And through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross” (1.20). This is His great work accomplished on the Cross of Calvary in His sacrifice, His death, and His resurrection. This gives us hope for both today and eternally as He alone reconciles us to the Father, forgiving us of all sin; He alone is our Redeemer; He alone provides the Atonement for all our sin.
At peace with God through Jesus – we have much to be thankful for –
Terry Burlingame
My Morning Desk 