The Sustainer of All Things

 

Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs. (Hebrews 1:1-4 ESV).

 

There aren’t many people who still read “books.” With so many different electronic alternatives available many people choose to “read” differently than I. I still like to hold a book in my hands. It evokes a wonderful feeling when I can touch the cover and turn the pages. Books are more expensive to purchase than the electronic versions because of the necessary process of printing and binding. With the loss of the popularity of actual “books” we have also lost some of the rich meaning of the word used in our reading as he declares that Jesus is the one who “upholds the universe” (v. 3). That actual word means to bear or carry. It can refer to the physical act of carrying something, as well as more abstract concepts such as bearing responsibility or bringing forth results. Thus, it illustrates the image we have of Jesus holding all things together.

 

Earlier we focused on Christ as the maker of all things. And here we note that he is holding it all together. This image is powerful. In Christ all things were made, and through Christ all things are sustained and held together. God did not create all things and then leave them to sustain themselves. Through Christ, all things are being sustained and held together. This serves as a powerful reminder that God is in control. The Heidelberg Catechism helps us see how we can respond to this: “We can be patient when things go against us, thankful when things go well, and for the future we can have good confidence in our faithful God and Father that nothing in creation will separate us from his love” (Q&A 28).

 

Whenever life seems to be going out of control, we have this assurance that God is holding everything together. Find rest and peace in knowing that Christ is “sustaining all things by his powerful Word.” All things are bound together in Him for good (Romans 8:28).