August 11 Daily Devotional

28 Jul August 11 Daily Devotional

A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON PAUL’S LETTER TO THE COLOSSIANS

CHRIST HOLDS ALL THINGS TOGETHER

Colossians 1:15-17 “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.”

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through Him all things were made; without Him nothing was made that has been made . . . The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:1-3,14)  Not only did Jesus participate with His Father in the creation of the world, He also rules over it and holds it together.  All authority has been given to Him in heaven and on earth. (Matthew 28:18)

When Pilate interrogated Jesus, he asked Him if He was a king.  Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. . .for this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to My voice.”  Ultimately, Jesus will rescue you “from every evil deed and bring you safely into His heavenly kingdom.” (2 Timothy 4:18)

In Christ all things were created.  The verb is in the perfect tense which means Jesus not only participated in its creation but continues to be responsible for its existence.  He is the one who holds this world together.  Without His rule and authority over this earth it could not continue.  Therefore, His promise to be with you always even to the end of the world’s existence is of extreme importance. (Matthew 28:20) He is the glue that binds everything together.

Prayer:  My gracious King and Savior, send Your Spirit to give me faith to trust You that all my days redound to Your glory and honor.  In Your holy name.  Amen.

I trust, O Lord, Your holy name; O let me not be put to shame

Nor let me be confounded. My faith, O Lord, Be in Your Word

Forever firmly grounded.

Bow down Your gracious ear to me And hear my cry, my prayer, my please;

Make haste for my protection, For Woes and fear Surround me here.

Help me in my affliction.

You are my strength, my shield my rock,

My fortress that withstands each shock My help, my life, my tower,

My battle sword, Almighty Lord— Who can resist Your power?

With You, O Lord, I cast my lot; O faithful God, forsake me not.

To You my soul commending Lord, be my stay, And lead the way

Now and when life is ending.

All honor, praise, and majesty To Father, Son, and Spirit be,

Our God forever glorious, In whose rich grace We run our race

Till we depart victorious.

(LSB 734)