THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
by Given O. Blakely
______________________________________
GOD HAS SPOKEN THROUGH HIS SON, #4
                        The Glorified Sustainer
     How marvelous are the attributes of Jesus! He made everything in every dimension, and it was all
made for Him! Still, it does not end there! He sustains it all! He is presently "sustaining all things by his
powerful word" (NIV). Elsewhere the Spirit testifies of Jesus, "He Himself is before all things, and in
Him all things hold together" (Col 1:17, NRSV). The word "hold together," or "consist" is an interesting
one. It means to "put together, or cohere; to stand together, or have existence; i.e., to continue." Men
speak of the law of gravity, centrifugal and centripetal force, and other "natural laws." They speak as
though the universe was held together by laws that have been set in motion. Their analysis of things may
appear to justify their conclusion, but it is still wrong. The exalted Christ keeps the universe from
disintegration. The orderliness and precision of the creation are owing to its Creator, not laws or
principles.
     Technically speaking, there is no happenstance in what men call "nature." These forces are all
marshaled and controlled by the Son of God! He can "call for" a "judgment by fire," which dries up the
great deep and devours the land (Amos 7:4, NIV). By His word He can call for an increase of grain (Ezek
36:29), or for a famine in the land (Psa 105:16). Even in a "whirlwind and the storm," He has His way
(Nah 1:3). He can cause rain to come or cease to come (Deut 11,14). He can extend a day, causing the
sun to shine in its brightness beyond its appointed time (Josh 10:12-13). If He commands ravenous birds
to bring food to His prophet, they will do so (1 Kgs 17:4). In Him is the word fulfilled; "When the earth
totters, with all its inhabitants, it is I who keep its pillars steady. Selah" (Psa 75:3, NRSV). It is no
wonder that the twenty-four elders before the Throne speak thus of Him. "You are worthy, our Lord and
God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created
and have their being" (Rev 4:11, NIV).
     Yet it is not nature alone that is held together by the "word of His power!"  The whole redemptive
economy is in Christ's hand! If we marvel at creation, we will marvel more at the "great salvation" over
which He presides. Why is it that "all things work together for good to them that love God, who are
called according to His purpose" (Rom 8:28). It is not because things have been locked into a  specific
direction and appointed end! It is "the Word of His power" that brings things together for our ultimate
good! This is why "no man" is able to remove the believer from the grasp of Deity (John 10:27-29). It is
why Paul, under great duress, could say, " . . . I know that through your prayers and the help given by the
Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance" (Phil 1:19, NIV). 
     Our salvation, down to the most meticulous detail, is supervised and held together by the Lord Jesus
Christ. He mediates the covenant in which we find ourselves (Heb 9:15; 12:24). He intercedes before the
Father on the behalf of those that have received the atonement (Heb 7:25). He monitors our temptations,
not allowing them to exceed our ability, and seeing to it they come with an escape route (1 Cor 10:13).
Our Lord dispatches angelic hosts to protect and minister to us (Heb 1:13-14). Even the Holy Spirit
functions under Him for the good of God's people! Our complete confidence in Him is fully justified
from every conceivable view.
(More on this subject tomorrow)
In joyful expectation of glory
Given O. Blakely