“And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.”
(Colossians 1:17)
The beauty, excellency, and supremacy of Christ does not simply flow from the reality that He is God, though He is. For as John tells us in his gospel, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God… All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made” (John 1:1-3).
Nor is it only due to the nature He revealed during His earthly ministry—perfect God clothed in perfect man. Though Scripture makes it clear that Christ is indeed equal with God (John 10:30, Philippians 2:6), He demonstrated complete submission and obedience to the Father. As a result, the Father made it known that He is not only pleased with His Beloved Son (Matthew 3:17, Luke 9:35), but that He has exalted Him as Lord over all:
“Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him and given him a name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:9-11).
And as “He is before all things, and by him all things consist,” His supremacy is further confirmed by His roles as Creator and Sustainer of all things. As Creator, all things came into being through Him and for Him (Colossians 1:16). As Preserver, He holds all creation together, a testimony to His omnipotence and ongoing engagement with the world He made.[1]
In addition to His universal sovereignty over creation, Christ also holds a specific and cherished role as Head of the Church, the “body of Christ.” He is both the supreme authority and the source of life for His Church.
Ephesians 1:22 declares, “And hath put all things under his feet and gave him to be the head over all things to the Church.” As Head, Christ imparts wisdom, direction, and nourishment to the body of believers, and His relationship with His body is intimate, active, and vital. Considering these truths, the question I must ask myself is this: Is the supremacy of Christ as Lord an evident reality in my own life?
Contemplations:
- Christ, my benefactor and redeemer. I’m often overcome with gratitude for the immense spiritual benefits that flow from Christ, my Redeemer. Knowing it is in Him that “we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins” (Colossians 1:14), I’m reminded that my salvation is not based on anything I’ve done or can do, but is a gift from Christ, whose sacrifice made my reconciliation with God possible.
- The sustainer of all. The truth that “by him all things consist” (Colossians 1:17) comforts my heart. Christ is not just the Creator of all; He’s also the ever-present Sustainer of all. In every moment of uncertainty, I can rest in the reality that Christ is actively involved, holding all aspects of my life together through His powerful word.
- Christ as the head of the church. Knowing that Christ is the head of the Church influences how I view my own role within the body of believers. This truth challenges me to remain connected to the Church as well as to Christ because His guidance and wisdom flow through to His body, equipping each member, including myself, to fulfill our God-given place in His kingdom.
- The firstborn from the dead. Christ being “the firstborn from the dead” (Colossians 1:18) provides me with a “living hope” of resurrection and eternal life. His resurrection is the first of many, promising that death is not the end of everything but the gateway to a new, glorified eternal existence with Him.
Prayer (supplication):
O sovereign Lord, I bow before You in awe of the supremacy of Your Son. He is before all things, and by Him all things consist. I cannot lift my eyes to the heavens or place my feet upon the earth without beholding His sustaining hand. All creation speaks of His power, all life flows from His Word, and yet I need Him not only as Creator but as Redeemer, Shepherd, and Head.
I plead with You to make His supremacy the ruling principle of my life. Let there be no rival thrones in my heart, no hidden corner where I cling to self-will, no loyalty that competes with His Lordship. Bend my stubbornness, break my pride, subdue my wandering affections until Christ reigns unhindered within me.
Grant me grace to see that every breath is upheld by Him, that every moment is preserved by His might. Let this awareness strip away my fears, calm my anxieties, and steady me when trials press hard. If by Him all things consist, then by Him my life is safe, and by Him my soul will be carried home. Teach me to rest in His sustaining care when storms rise, when health fails, when the path grows dark.
Lord, I pray for the church of Your Son. Keep her steadfast under His headship. Purge her of false shepherds who seek their own glory. Unite her members in faith, love, and obedience under the one true Head. Let His wisdom govern our councils, His Spirit animate our worship, His truth direct our teaching, and His love bind us together. Do not let us wander from the sufficiency of Christ but make us cling to Him as the vine to which every branch must remain joined.
I ask also for Your strength to bear witness to Christ’s supremacy in the world. Let my words and deeds point others to the reality that He is Lord of all. Give me courage to confess Him openly, even when the cost is high. Let me not be ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God unto salvation. May I gladly proclaim that every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Lord, sustain me by the hope of His resurrection. Remind me daily that He is the firstborn from the dead, and because He lives, I too shall live. Keep my eyes fixed on that blessed hope of eternal life, so that the trials of this world lose their grip and the temptations of sin lose their allure. Let His victory over death fill me with courage, patience, and endurance until my faith becomes sight.
Above all, let my supplication be this: that Christ be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death. For to live is Christ, and to die is gain. Let me be content with His will, bold in His service, humble under His hand, and steadfast in His truth. May the supremacy of Christ shine through me as a living testimony that He is all in all.
In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Further Scripture References for Colossians 1:17:
John 1:1, John 8:58, Hebrews 1:3, Revelation 1:8
[1] Thomas Manton, Christs Eternal Existence (London printed: s.n, 1685), 104.
