Living in Awe

“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him, all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” (Colossians 1:15-17 ESV)

There are some pretty amazing things in our universe. From fish that live at depths in the ocean where no sunlight exists to animals living in the desert, so hot one would die very quickly if stranded, to liquid water on Mars.

Every time humans discover something that should not exist or live in places where it is impossible to live, they reveal the awe-inspiring power of Christ. For a long time, humans believed sunlight was needed to live, vitamin D, photosynthesis, and other reasons, but some fish live where there is no sunlight, and there is life in caves where there is total darkness. It is a wonder that leaves us in awe. It is not the light of the sun we need but the life-giving light of the Son, the Son of God.

Paul wrote that it is Christ who holds all things together. In his gospel, John told us, “Without him was not any thing made that was made.” (1:3). Christ, our anchor, created everything and holds it all together. This is quite amazing when you consider the state of things. It is another testimony to his power, which brings us awe, security, and reassurance.    

The writer of Hebrews also wrote,  “Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world.” (1:1-2) Another inspired writing of the creative power of Christ. But why create? God created it out of the desire to share his unending love and shower his own image with this love. This act of creation is a testament to how much God values and cherishes us. In return, God is glorified through our satisfaction, our being fulfilled by his love and mercy.

God’s love is so strong that when we became separated from Him, Christ was sent out of love to give God’s elect the chance to be rejoined with God. The Creator came to creation to die so His human creation could be redeemed. Wow, there is no more profound love, and Christ told us that Himself. God reached out through the prophets, telling us that a savior would come. In these prophesies, the glory of the Son was proclaimed. The whole purpose of the incarnation was to save God’s people from total destruction, and it was all completed through the profound love and mercy of Jesus Christ. God knew what was required, selected the perfect time, and executed his plan of salvation, a plan rooted in love and mercy.

The next time someone says, “Hey, did you hear they discovered this in the ocean, or in a cave, or on the moon, or some other celestial body?” Just say, “How great is our God?”

Tomorrow, Brother Hanline speaks a little deeper about God’s perfect timing.

May the Grace and Peace of the Lord be with you.