“For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.” (Colossians 1:16-17)
The Christ of Scripture is much more than a great teacher or prophet; He is the exalted Lord through whom all things exist and continue. Thrones, dominions, principalities, and powers are all beneath His authority. The visible world and the invisible realm alike remain upheld according to His sovereign will. Nothing exists independently from Him, and nothing continues apart from His sustaining power.
Men often boast in wisdom, power, or achievement while forgetting their continual dependence upon Christ. Yet no creature possesses self-sustaining existence. All life is borrowed life[1] and emanates from Christ who is the source of life.
Creation also testifies to His wisdom and order. Moreover, every creature, every authority, and every providence remains subject to His rule. Even when earthly affairs appear random, Christ continues to uphold all things according to His perfect wisdom.
He is also before all things in worth, excellence, and authority for the Father has appointed Him heir and ruler over all. Angels themselves bow beneath His dominion and receive direction according to His will.
And as believers, we can be grateful that the One who governs all things is the same Savior who shed His blood for sinners. The hands that uphold the universe are the hands once pierced at Calvary. Therefore, our assurance rests in the providence of a gracious Redeemer. Daily mercies should not be seen as random occurrences but as gifts sustained by Christ’s continual care. Food, shelter, preservation, opportunities for worship, and the stability of creation itself all testify to His gracious governance.
For all these reasons, thanksgiving becomes more than gratitude for isolated blessings; it extends to worship directed toward the Lord who sustains all existence. Every moment endured, every mercy received, and every deliverance granted flows from the sovereign and gracious power of the Son of God.
Contemplations:
- My Continual Dependence Upon Christ. I often live as though my life continues naturally and independently, forgetting how completely dependent I am upon Christ for every moment. This passage reminds me that my breath, strength, preservation, and daily mercies all continue only because He sustains them. Even ordinary things I rarely notice are upheld continually by His power. This realization humbles me deeply and teaches me that my thanksgiving should also be continual.
- My Tendency to Fear Earthly Powers. When I look at earthly governments, cultural confusion, and the instability of the world, I begin to fear. Yet this passage reminds me that thrones, dominions, principalities, and powers all remain under Christ’s authority. No ruler acts independently from His sovereignty. I need to remember that the Lord reigns above every earthly authority and governs all things wisely.
- My Failure to Notice Daily Mercies. I can become so familiar with ordinary blessings that I cease to recognize them as gifts sustained by Christ. Food, shelter, strength, opportunities for worship, and even the order of creation itself are mercies upheld continually by His hand. This passage reminds me that every ordinary moment is evidence of Christ’s sustaining care and should awaken deeper thanksgiving within my soul.
- My Comfort in Christ’s Sovereign Rule. The same Christ who governs the universe is also my Redeemer. This truth brings me great comfort. When I remember that the hands directing history are the same hands pierced for sinners, fear gives way to confidence and gratitude before Him.
Prayer (Thanksgiving):
Most glorious and sovereign Lord, I give thanks that all things were created by You and continue through Your sustaining power. Heaven and earth, visible and invisible, thrones and dominions alike remain under Your authority. Nothing exists independently from Your will, and nothing continues apart from Your providence. I praise You that the universe itself is upheld by Your wisdom and power.
Lord, thank You for the continual mercies You sustain in my life each day. Every breath I take, every moment of preservation, every provision for my needs, and every opportunity to worship You flows from Your gracious hand. I confess that I too often overlook these mercies because they appear ordinary, yet they are constant testimonies of Your goodness and care.
I praise You that the world is not abandoned to chaos or blind chance. Even when earthly affairs seem unstable and confusing, You remain seated upon the throne in perfect authority. Kings, rulers, and nations rise and fall beneath Your sovereign government. This truth brings peace to my heart because it reminds me that nothing escapes Your wisdom or exceeds Your power.
Lord Jesus, I especially thank You that the One who rules over all creation is also the Savior who gave Himself for sinners. Your authority is joined with Your mercy, and Your power is exercised for the good of Your people. This fills my heart with gratitude beyond what words can fully express.
Let me not move carelessly through daily mercies without recognizing Your hand in them. Open my eyes to see Your providence more clearly and to respond with deeper worship and gratitude.
Finally, I praise You that history itself is moving according to Your perfect decree. All things exist for Your glory and will ultimately display the greatness of Your name. Keep my heart fixed on this truth so that fear diminishes and confidence in You grows stronger each day.
In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Further Scripture References for Colossians 1:16-17:
John 1:3; Romans 11:36; Hebrews 1:2; Proverbs 16:4
[1] Stephen Nye, A Brief History of the Unitarians, Called Also Socinians in Four Letters, Written to a Friend, (London printed: s.n, 1687), 130-137.
