February 2

The Creator of All

Bible Reading: John 1:1-3; Colossians 1:15-18; Hebrews 1:1-3

All three of today’s passages plainly set forth the truth that Jesus Christ is the creator of all things.  When we read in Genesis 1:1 “God created the heavens and the earth,” we tend to think of Creation as the work of the Father.  In reality the Scriptures speak to the involvement of all three persons of the Triune God.

Colossians 1:15-17 explains how “all” things were created by Christ. The word “all” is used four times in the passage, emphasizing the truth that everything which exists can trace its existence back to him. John 1:3 likewise states the matter plainly, both in the positive–”All things were made through him”; and in the negative–”without him was not anything made that was made.”

Look at Colossians 1:16. Notice what it says of Christ’s role in creation: “For by him all things were created…all things were created through him and for him.” All things were created BY him, THROUGH him, and FOR him. A good analogy of this would be the construction of a new home. I once oversaw the building of a house on a piece of property we owned, where we built our dream home amidst the trees right next to a pond. In our minds we had conceived a plan for the kind of home we wanted to build. The house was constructed BY us. There’s much labor involved in the construction of a house. We utilized many contractors. But the house was built THROUGH US via the efforts of all those who worked under my direction. The house was being built for a specific purpose, FOR us, and when it was done we moved in and enjoyed that beautiful home for many years. That house was built by us, through us, and for us. With respect to all of creation, it was created BY Christ according to his wisdom, THROUGH Christ, according to his power, and FOR Christ according to his preeminent right to occupy and rule over it.

It is as the Dutch theologian, Abraham Kuyper, has said: “When Jesus looks at his universe from his exalted throne at the right hand of the Father, and he sees the great galaxies whirling in space, the planets and the people upon this planet, and all the minute details of life here including the details of our individual lives, there is nothing that he sees anywhere of which he cannot say, “Mine!”

Colossians 1:15-18 is all about the supremacy of Christ.  He is the creator of all things.  As the head of the church and as the firstborn of the dead, He is the One who is before all things and the One who holds all things together.  The great British preacher, Charles Simeon cited Colossians 1:18, “that in everything he might have the preeminence,” and then added “And he must have it; and he will have it; and he shall have it!”  There will come a day in which every knee will bow and every tongue will confess Jesus Christ to be Lord (Philippians 2:9-11).  Herein lies both meaning and purpose in life, to know, love, and worship the One who not only created all things, but Who came in humility to die on a cross to rescue those whom he created!  Do you know him?  Does he have first place in your life (Cf. Romans 10:9)?

Lord, we praise You as our creator and the rightful ruler over all Your creation. Forgive us our negligence in being ever mindful of Your preeminence. As we consider these lofty matters, we are reminded of how much of our lives are devoted to things which will not stand the test of time. There will come a day in which all will be brought into subjection to You, may my heart gladly respond even now to that rich reality, for You are well-deserving of my soul, my life, and my all. Amen!

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Author: looking2jesus13

Jerry L. Conklin was born and raised in Hillsboro, Oregon. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served for six years in the Navy’s Nuclear Power Program. He was assigned to the USS *Omaha* (SSN-692), a nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine, where he served as a reactor-plant electrical operator. His military service took him to ports and locations throughout the world and provided extensive technical training, leadership experience, and an enduring appreciation for those who serve in the Armed Forces. Following his Navy service, Jerry earned a bachelor’s degree in Nuclear Technology from Thomas Edison State University. He worked at the Trojan Nuclear Plant near Rainier, Oregon, first as a reactor operator and later as a training specialist. After sensing God’s call to pastoral ministry, he left the nuclear-power industry and earned a master’s degree in theology from Western Conservative Baptist Seminary in Portland, Oregon. Jerry served for twenty-seven and a half years as senior pastor of Lewis and Clark Bible Church in Astoria, Oregon. During those years, he preached and taught the Scriptures, provided pastoral counseling, performed weddings and memorial services, trained church leaders, and served individuals and families throughout the community. He also served as a fire department chaplain and participated in a variety of community ministries. After retiring from full-time pastoral ministry, Jerry and his wife, Laura, moved to Heppner, Oregon. There he served for approximately four years as a chaplain with Pioneer Memorial Home Health and Hospice, providing spiritual and emotional support to more than 150 patients and their families. In 2023, the Oregon Association for Home Care honored him as its Chaplain of the Year. Jerry also helped establish South Morrow County Seniors Matter, a nonprofit organization created to address the needs of older adults following the COVID-19 pandemic. As chairman, he worked with community leaders and volunteers to develop a weekly senior meal program, a monthly veterans’ lunch, and other activities and services. The organization served hundreds of seniors, mobilized more than 200 volunteers, and received statewide and national recognition. In 2025, Jerry was named Heppner’s Man of the Year, and his community service was later recognized by United States Senator Jeff Merkley. International missions have also been an important part of Jerry’s ministry. He has made ten trips to Uganda, where he has taught at pastors’ conferences, preached in churches, participated in Bible-school graduations, distributed Bibles and Christian materials, and encouraged local pastors and ministry leaders. He developed the discipleship booklet *First Steps with Jesus* to help new believers understand and grow in their faith. Jerry is the author of numerous books, Bible studies, devotionals, and teaching resources, including works centered on prayer, Christian hope, spiritual growth, and the person of Jesus Christ. His decades of preaching and teaching reflect his commitment to presenting biblical truth clearly, practically, and faithfully. Jerry and Laura were married for nearly forty-two years and raised four children. They were also blessed with three grandchildren. Laura passed away in August 2025 following an eight-and-a-half-year battle with cancer. Jerry currently lives in Hillsboro, where he helps care for his elderly father. He continues to preach, teach, write, and serve others through pastoral and community ministry.

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