Devotion by Tom Truss
“He is before all things, and by Him all things hold together.” (Colossians 1:17)
This verse is referring to Jesus, and it says He is before all things. Before all things means He was before the mountains were formed, before the rivers were flowing, before the Great Flood (Noah), and even before Adam and Eve. How can this be?
Because Jesus was there in the very beginning. If you read one verse before this one (Colossians 1:16), it also says that everything was created by Him (Jesus), in Heaven and on Earth . . . all things have been created through Him and for Him.
Today’s verse also says that by Him all things hold together. Every creation you see—such as a tree, a flower, or even your human body is held together microscopically—think of cells, molecules, and atoms!
I am always fascinated by our solar system and how it all holds together. For example, the Earth spins at a very constant rate, taking 24 hours to complete one rotation. At the same time, the Earth is tilted at an angle of 23 degrees, which helps us enjoy our four different seasons. The Earth is moving through space and orbiting the sun, traveling approximately 67,000 miles per hour. Jesus put all of this in motion and keeps it constant, every hour of every day!
Reflect:
– With Jesus’s creation all around us, what stands out to you and why?
– What does it mean to you that God created you with a body, a mind, and a soul?
– How does the truth that Jesus holds all things together change your perspective?
Pray:
Dear Jesus, thank You for all of Your creation and for creating me—my voice, my image, my personality, and my DNA, which is unique from anyone else, specific qualities that come from You. And thank You for holding all things together so that I can let go and rest in You. Thank you, Jesus.