Jesus Holds All Things Together
By Whitney Hopler
Bible Reading:
“The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” – Colossians 1:15-17, NIV
In one of the world’s great cathedrals – Strasbourg Cathedral in France – a famous astronomical clock not only tells the time but also points toward eternity. Towering over observers, this masterpiece of engineering features complex mechanical components that constantly calculate the current positions of the Earth, the sun, the moon, and various stars and other planets. The clock also features figures that represent each of Jesus’ 12 apostles. Every day at solar noon, these figures move with graceful precision in a procession before a central image of Jesus, bowing before Jesus in reverence. They are choreographed to give thanks for the gift of creation and acknowledge how it all belongs to Jesus, who holds all things together.
Just as Jesus orders the cycles of time, he sustains the cosmos in ways that go beyond our limited understanding. Colossians 1:15-17 calls us to recognize Jesus’ central place in creation and in our lives.
Let’s break down this passage:
“The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation” (verse. 15): In Jesus, the “invisible” God is made visible to us. Jesus is God incarnate, making the unknowable known in a way we can see and understand. When we look at Jesus, we see God’s character, mercy, love, and power.
“For in him all things were created” (verse 16): This part of the passage reveals Jesus as the Creator, not just of visible things – like oceans, mountains, and galaxies – but of the unseen world as well: all of the forces that work behind the scenes, such as angels.
“All things have been created through him and for him” (verse 16): The purpose of creation is bound up in Jesus. Every part of our world reflects a part of Jesus’ glory and design. The stars in the sky, the atoms that make up our bodies, the seasons that cycle through in nature, and much more were created with Jesus in mind. They are “for him,” meaning that they are part of Jesus’ purpose.
“He is before all things, and in him all things hold together” (verse 17): Here, the Bible paints a picture of Jesus not only as the Creator but as the Sustainer. Jesus doesn’t just set the world in motion from a distance and then walk away. Instead, Jesus is closely involved with all creation, holding everything together – right now, in this moment. Jesus’ presence and power keep the stars in place and keep our hearts beating. Jesus holds the entire universe, down to the smallest detail.
Jesus’ birth is the point at which eternity entered time, and the Creator came to dwell among creation. This same Jesus – God incarnate, who lived among us – is the One who sustains us today and every day.
Since Jesus is the One who holds all things together, we can turn to Jesus to hold the pieces of our lives that sometimes feel chaotic. In this fallen world, we experience many challenges and uncertainties that cause us stress. But this Bible passage assures us that Jesus is holding every part of our lives together.
Just as the figures on the Strasbourg astronomical clock bow to acknowledge Jesus’ sovereignty over time and creation, we can bow before Jesus ourselves. We can overcome anxiety when we remember that Jesus has the ultimate loving control over our days, our struggles, and our loved ones. When things feel chaotic or stressful, we can trust that Jesus holds us in his hands, guiding and sustaining us even in ways we can’t see.
Intersecting Faith & Life:
As you consider how all things hold together in Jesus, reflect on these questions:
- How does viewing Jesus as both the Creator and Sustainer of the universe change your perspective on your daily challenges?
- In what areas of your life do you most need Jesus to “hold things together” right now?
- What steps can you take to discover more of the wonder of Jesus’ work in your life day by day?
- When you think about Jesus as the image of the invisible God, what qualities of God become clearer to you?
Further Reading:
John 1:1-3
Hebrews 1:3
Ephesians 1:10
Romans 11:36
Revelation 4:11
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Alicia_Garcia
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