Not Luck, But Christ

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WalterandDebbie

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Sunday 2-25-24 1st. Day Of The Weekly Cycle, Adar 14 5784 67th. Winter Day

Today's Devotional

Read: Colossians 1:15–20 | Bible in a Year: Numbers 12–14; Mark 5:21–43

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He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. Colossians 1:17


Discover magazine suggests that there are around 700 quintillion (7 followed by 20 zeros) planets in the universe, but only one like Earth. Astrophysicist Erik Zackrisson said that one of the requirements for a planet to sustain life is to orbit in the “Goldilocks” zone, where the temperature is just right, and water can exist.

Out of 700 quintillion planets, Earth seems to be one planet where conditions are just right. Zackrisson concluded that Earth somehow had been dealt a “fairly lucky hand.”

Paul assured the Colossian believers that the universe existed, not because of Lady Luck, but because of the work of Jesus. The apostle presents Christ as the creator of the world: “For in him all things were created” (Colossians 1:16).

Not only was Jesus the powerful creator of the world, but Paul says that “in him all things hold together” (v. 17)—a world that’s not too hot and not too cold, but one that’s just right for human existence. What Jesus created, He’s sustaining with His perfect wisdom and unceasing power.

As we participate in and enjoy the beauty of creation, let’s choose not to point to the random activity of Lady Luck, but to the purposeful, sovereign, powerful and loving One who possesses “all [God’s] fullness” (v. 19).

What does it mean for you to know that Jesus is in control of the natural world and your personal world? How will you show your dependence on Him today?
Dear Jesus, I thank You for graciously and purposefully creating and sustaining Your creation.

INSIGHT​

In Colossians 1:15-20 (perhaps an ancient Christian hymn), the supremacy of Jesus, the beloved Son of God (v. 13), comes into focus. Included in the credits that speak of Christ’s incomparable excellence is the term “firstborn” (vv. 15, 18). This word isn’t a reference to birth order—as if Christ was the first in a line of created beings. Rather, it speaks of Him—“the image of the invisible God” (v. 15)—as the head (source) of and ruler over all things (vv. 16-19). Paul isn’t the only witness to this amazing truth.

John notes, “Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made” (John 1:3). And the writer of Hebrews also corroborates this: “In these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe” (1:2).

By Marvin Williams|February 25th, 2024

Creation Colossians 1:15-20

15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:

16 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:

17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.

18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.

19 For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;

20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.

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Love, Walter And Debbie
 

Pearl

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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:
I woke one morning a couple of years ago with a dream that felt like everything was falling apart. And then the word 'lynchpin' kept running through my mind. 'Jesus is the lynchpin' that holds my life together. He is at the centre. I was amazed and blessed when in my daily reading Colossians 1:17 says " He is before all things, and in him all things hold together."

And I was thrilled when I read it again this morning.
 
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amadeus

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Luck was one of those words I often used for many years, but somewhere, now a long time ago as men reckon time, God let me know that I was not to trust to luck, but to Him.

Ex 28:30And thou shalt put in the breastplate of judgment the Urim and the Thummim; and they shall be upon Aaron's heart, when he goeth in before the LORD: and Aaron shall bear the judgment of the children of Israel upon his heart before the LORD continually.
What is God's will for man? Is it to be found by random chance or even by the Urim and Thummim as with the natural children of Israel? Is it not known by Him and available to us?

Remember King Saul after he had been rejected of God and just before he went to the woman with a familiar spirit:

1sa 28:6And when Saul inquired of the LORD, the LORD answered him not, neither by dreams, nor by Urim, nor by prophets.
He had tempted God one too many times and God was no longer answering him... but what about us?

‘For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.’ I John 3:20

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. Ps 119:105

Could we ever find ourselves in a place like Saul? Certainly not if we always trust Him to show us His will and His Way through His Word.