15 “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16 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. 17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” Colossians 1:15-17
Has there ever been a moment in your life where you felt like everything else led to that? Maybe it was a series of events or trials that led to a new job, or maybe it was failed relationships that led to finding and marrying the love of your life. Alexa, play Broken Road by Rascal Flatts!
One of the truths Matthew communicates in the first 17 verses of genealogy in his book is that everything points to Jesus. He alone is the center point of history. What we read at first glance is a list of mostly insignificant people. And at the time Jesus made His earthly entrance, that was true—his family line wasn’t notable to the powers of the day. Rome was in charge. No one, including Eleazar (Matthew 1:15), had any idea that Eleazar’s great grandson would be the Son of God and Savior of the world. But God was at work! He was accomplishing His purposes through seemingly insignificant people and events—as He still is even now.
That should give us courage when the world looks or feels like God isn’t in control. Paul explained it this way in Colossians 1:15-17: Jesus is Lord of all creation. He created all things, and everything in creation was created for Him. He has always existed—He was involved in the creation of the world, and everything exists for His purposes. Everything and everyone holds together in Him. It didn’t matter that no one besides Salmon’s mom thought he was special (Matt. 1:5); Salmon’s history points to Jesus. It doesn’t matter what it looks like or how insignificant you or your circumstance seems. Jesus is the center point of the history of the world, and He is the center point of your past, present, and future, too.
- What does it mean to you personally that in Jesus, “all things hold together”?
- Pray: Thank God that He is always at work pointing you to Jesus. Ask Him to help you join Him in that process each day and to live in such a way that helps point other people to Jesus as the center of their history, too.