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!
LookingtoJesus 