Posted on January 19, 2017
in
[ Theology & Ministry ]
There are times in life when we seem to be unraveling at the edges. Overwhelmed with issues of our day, we feel like the rug of life has just been ripped from beneath us. Well, there is a way we can hold it together. In Colossians 1:17 it states, “He is before all things, and in him all things hold together" (NIV). This makes a clear distinction of the activity of Jesus Christ. Not just on the Earth, but in our daily lives. Jesus not only created the world, but he also sustains every aspect of it and he will guide your purpose, destiny and present struggles. He will help you to hold it together.
Just before verse 17 there are a few other declarations that validate the role of Jesus to hold the world (and us) together. Verse 16 says he is the image of the invisible God. Jesus came to earth for us to see a man. Not just any man, but 100 percent God and 100 percent man contained in one being. The Bible tells that he ate and drank, got tired and upset, showed emotion and made both friends and enemies. Yes, just like us, but he was Immanuel, God with us. He is over all creation or the overseer of creation. The world is not just running free, creation is still under the creative order and design of Jesus.
It later states in verse 16 that he created everything. Not just physical aspects of the world, but the visible and invisible attributes. He even controls the ruling authorities.
So, how does this help me in a family struggle or to get a job or what does it mean to the real world? This is the exciting part. When life seems to be crumbling, he is holding it together. When we do not know what decision to make he will guide our lives not allowing us to be overwhelmed.
My son, a senior here at GCU, is looking at a new job. There are two very attractive offers before him. As we discussed it, I asked him if he had prayed about it. Does the Creator of the Universe care about my son’s job? The answer is yes, absolutely. I felt honored he wanted to talk to me about my opinion. How much more does Jesus, who made him, desire to give him advice, listen to and talk to him about this decision?
If Jesus is the creator of all things and was able to make things as big as space and as small as an atom, he should be able to maintain it. Out of all of this, we are the peak of creation and he cares for what you are doing now and the next step you take.
Want to read more articles from the Theology Thursday series? Be sure to check back each week for a new blog post. To learn more about Grand Canyon University, visit our website or request more information by using the button at the top of the page.
Todd Forrest has lived his whole life in ministry, growing up as a pastor’s and missionary’s son. He has been in active ministry since 1990, and continues to pastor today. He is a board member of Children of Promise International, caring for orphans in 12 countries. He and his wife, Debbie, have three children, two of which are GCU students.
