Christ Holds All Things Together

Colossians 1:17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. (KJV)
Colossians 1:17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.(NIV)

As most of you know I love to teach and preach from the Authorized King James Version. I was raised on it and most of my scripture memorization over the years was done with the KJV. But I love the way the NIV captures the spirit of Colossians 1:17. Jesus truly is holding everything together! We live in a world of tremendous uncertainty and anxiety. Christ warned that as the end times were upon us that there would be times of "perplexity" on the earth and distress of nations (can I get an "Amen" on that one?). Perplexities are problems or challenges for which there seems to be no logical answer or solution. Many in the world seem to be fearing a "chicken-little" scenario in which the sky will fall and everything will end just like (according to their belief) it began...with a "big bang." I wish I had time to discuss why the "big bang" theory is the biggest pile of rubbish ever passed off as science, but time just won't allow for that. Even many in the church seem to be so entrenched with the cares of this present age that they fail to see God's hand at work in human history. We are truly living in an age where the pages of bible prophecy are literally being fulfilled before our very eyes....and in the news! For the student of bible prophecy, this only serves to confirm what he/she already knows- God is in control!

The bible speaks of a peace that "passes all understanding." This is not merely positive thinking, or new-age meditation technique. It is literally a supernatural peace (from God Almighty) that is so beyond the realm of human understanding that it doesn't make sense to the natural mind. This is not surprising since Paul told the Corinthians that the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God...for they are foolishness unto him. This is not something that can be conjured up through positive confession or attending a seminar. This seems to be the method that many church-goers prefer-however there are really no short-cuts when it comes to building a relationship with the Heavenly Father. This peace is a fruit of the Spirit. The book of Galatians lists a variety of virtues which are considered "fruit" of the Spirit. The interesting thing about fruit is that it grows as a natural process of being attached to the root/vine/tree. We don't see apple trees struggling to produce apples, or peach trees agonizing to bring forth fruit. Jesus told a parable of the vine and the branches (John 15).. If we "abide" (literally to continue, to remain) in Him, then we really have no choice but to bear fruit. It is a natural by-product of spending time in His presence. The Apostle Paul's greeting of choice in most of his epistles is "grace and peace." I don't think it's any accident that peace is subsequent to receiving the grace of God. The grace of God is what gives us the ability to receive the peace of God which passes understanding. The idea of peace (Hebrew word "shalom") is much more than an absence of wars or calamities. It goes to the very heart of the human being and permeates every aspect of his life. When a man or woman is at peace with God, they have tremendous victory.

It is evident from the epistle addressed to them that the Colossians were contending with false doctrine. It appears that some felt that Jesus wasn't sufficient and that more was needed (mediation of angels, various rituals, observance of certain days, et.al). Paul (under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit) left no doubt as to the suffiency of Christ and His atoning work. In no uncertain terms he told them that Jesus is holding everything together! We could write volumes just speaking on the Deity of the Lord Jesus Christ but suffice it to say that many false doctrines and cults have been formed because of a misunderstanding or outright denial of the Deity of Christ. John left no question as to the eternal nature of the Son of God by saying "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God..." Those familiar with the Genesis account of Creation would immediately see the parallels. Everything that now exists was made by Christ.

The same problems the Colossians faced are evident today. Despite the fact that God is holding everything together-we see the world doing everything it can to deny Him or refuse to acknowledge His Lordship. The scriptures say that all of creation is groaning to be redeemed. The reason we see the seas and the waves roaring and the great earthquakes is because the creation is groaning for redemption. Even though it may seem that things couldn't get any worse (and they will during the tribulation period if you believe the Bible to be a true document) God is still in control and Jesus is holding everything together.

The reason that you haven't lost your mind and that your faith is not shattered is because Jesus is holding the fabrics of your life together. Christ said that the very hairs of your head are numbered and you are of more value than many sparrows....none of which falls to the ground without God knowing about it. You may be tempted to believe that God has somehow forsaken you or that He has no idea where you are, but dear friend you can rest assured that Jesus is holding all things together. The same Christ that created the world is still holding it together today. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever! Everything that you have accomplished by His grace and everything that you and I try so hard to maintain is kept by God. I often hear people remark about others and make statements like "wow, he/she really seems to have it all together." The truth for the Christian is that God is the one who builds our house and establishes it. As a matter of fact the bible says that "except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain who build it."

I realize people from all walks of life read this website, so I want to address some different categories of readers right now. There may be a pastor reading this, and wondering if the church he pastors is going to fall apart. You've been laboring and doing everything you can to hold things together but it seems like it is all for naught. I want to remind you that it is not your church- it is Christ's! He said "upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." We read in the book of Acts that "the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved." You need to grasp the revelation that God is in control and by Him all things hold together! I want to speak to the mother or father who may be struggling with wayward rebellious children-or the husband and wife who find themselves at each other's throats because of seemingly irreconcilable differences: Christ is holding it all together! Paul made a fascinating statement to Timothy and it goes something like this :

II Timothy 1:12 For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.

I ask you today- have you committed your marriage to Him? Have you committed your children to Him? Your finances? Your life? If so, you can be confident and by fully persuaded that Christ is holding all things together. I hope you will be encouraged today by this great spiritual truth. May God richly bless you as you seek His face!