Sermon: The Divine Purpose in Creation and the Sustaining Power of Christ
Imagine standing at the edge of a vast, darkened field on a clear night. Above you stretches the infinite sky, a tapestry of stars scattered across the heavens like countless diamonds. As your gaze travels from one distant star to another, you begin to sense the enormity of the universe. Each star, each galaxy, each distant planet—yet all of it seems to exist with purpose, as though it is part of a grand design. Beneath your feet, the earth is alive, turning gently on its axis, rotating in its orbit around the sun. The wind whispers through the trees, and the leaves rustle in a rhythm that echoes the heartbeats of creation itself. You stand there, small in the vastness of it all, wondering: How is it that all this exists? What gives order to the chaos of the universe? As the cool breeze brushes against your skin, you realize that you are not alone in this moment of wonder. For in the quiet stillness of the night, there is a presence—a power that holds everything together. A force that keeps the stars in their courses and the earth in its orbit. A power that, if absent, would send the universe spiralling into nothingness. That power, the Apostle Paul tells us, is Christ.
In the New Testament, particularly in the book of Colossians, Paul writes a powerful declaration about the role of Jesus Christ in the cosmos. He tells us that: "For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together." (Colossians 1:16-17). What a profound truth! Jesus Christ, the one we know as Savior, is not just a figure from history, but the eternal Creator of all things, both visible and invisible. The universe—its galaxies, stars, and planets—was made through Him and for Him. And not only did He create all things, but He also sustains them, holding everything in perfect balance and order. As we ponder this truth today, let us explore the profound implications of Christ's central role in creation and how His sustaining power gives our lives meaning and purpose.
The Beginning: Creation and Its Purpose
When we look at the world around us, we see a picture of incredible order. The laws of physics, the cycles of nature, the intricate design of life itself—everything points to an underlying intelligence behind it all. From the smallest microbe to the largest galaxy, creation seems perfectly crafted, as if designed with a master plan. In the book of Genesis, we read that God created the heavens and the earth, and "God saw that it was good." Each part of creation—from the light that separated the day from the night to the animals and the plants—was intentionally crafted by the hand of God. And yet, it is in the New Testament that we come to understand the deeper significance of this creation. It is not just God’s handiwork; it is the work of Christ. Paul tells us in Colossians that all things were created through Christ and for Christ. Everything in the universe, from the vast galaxies to the tiniest atom, was created for a divine purpose—to reflect the glory of Jesus Christ. This truth brings us to a place of awe and wonder, for it means that everything we see around us has been created with intentionality, with a design that points us back to Christ. When we see a beautiful sunset or gaze upon the majesty of the mountains, we are reminded that these things were made for Christ. When we observe the delicate balance of life on earth, the intricate design of nature, we are reminded that every detail has been meticulously crafted by the Creator. Nothing in the universe exists by accident. Every part of creation has its place in a grand and beautiful plan. And that plan is centered in Jesus Christ, the eternal Word by whom all things were made.
The Sustaining Power of Christ
But Paul does not stop at creation. He goes on to tell us that in Christ, all things hold together. This phrase, "all things hold together," carries a profound meaning. The Greek word used here, synistēmi, means "to bring together," "to unite," or "to bind together." It is a word that suggests not just creation but also ongoing maintenance, a continual act of holding all things in their proper place. Jesus Christ is not just the Creator; He is also the Sustainer. Think about the complexity of the world around us. The universe is governed by laws—gravity, the movement of planets, the cycles of the seasons—that operate with such precision that we can predict the behavior of the stars and the tides. The earth rotates on its axis at a perfect angle, making life possible. The seasons change in an orderly fashion, bringing the harvest and the rains. Life itself exists in a delicate balance of interconnected systems.
But what happens if this delicate balance is disrupted? What if the forces that hold everything in place were to fail? The universe would fall into chaos. The stars would burn out, the planets would spiral out of control, and life on earth would cease to exist. It is Christ who keeps all things in harmony. He is the one who sustains the laws of nature, who ensures that the stars stay in their courses and the earth continues to spin on its axis. In Him, all things hold together. Without Him, the universe would crumble into disarray. This same sustaining power is at work in our lives. When we face challenges, when we feel like we are falling apart, we can take comfort in the truth that Jesus is holding us together. He is the one who sustains us through every trial, every storm, every moment of doubt. In Him, we find stability and peace. Just as He holds the universe together, He holds our lives together.
The Divine Will in Creation: A Reflection on Purpose
Paul reminds us that all things were created through Christ and for Christ. The universe, with all its beauty and complexity, exists to reflect His glory. And we, as part of this creation, are also made for the glory of Christ. This is a truth that brings us great purpose. We are not accidents. We are not the result of random chance. We are created beings, intentionally made for a purpose. That purpose is to bring glory to Christ, to reflect His image in the world. When we live in alignment with the divine purpose for our lives, we begin to see our place in the grand story of creation. Our work, our relationships, our dreams—all of them have the potential to reflect the glory of the Creator. In the everyday moments of life, we can live with purpose. Whether we are at work, in school, or at home, we can live in a way that honors Christ. Every word spoken, every action taken, every decision made—when done in the light of His glory—becomes an act of worship. Our lives are not our own; they belong to the One who created us and sustains us.
Prayer and Reflection
Let us pause for a moment to reflect on the truth of Christ as Creator and Sustainer. Let us offer our lives to Him and seek to live in accordance with His divine will.
Heavenly Father,
We come before You in awe and reverence, marveling at the beauty and order of Your creation. You have made the heavens and the earth, and everything in them was created through Your Son, Jesus Christ. We thank You for the glory of the stars, the magnificence of the mountains, and the intricate design of life itself. We recognize that all of this exists for Your glory.
Lord, we confess that too often we lose sight of the purpose behind our lives. We become consumed with our own desires, ambitions, and worries. We forget that we were made for You, and that our lives are meant to reflect Your glory. Forgive us for these distractions, and help us to refocus on You. May we live each day with intentionality, seeking to bring glory to Christ in all that we do. We thank You, Lord, for the sustaining power of Christ in our lives. In Him, all things hold together, and in Him, we find our strength and peace. We pray for those who are struggling today, those who feel as though their lives are falling apart. May they experience the sustaining power of Christ, who holds them together in every moment.
In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Conclusion: Living with Purpose
As we go forward, let us remember that Christ is the Creator of all things, and in Him, all things hold together. We were made through Him and for Him, and our lives have purpose. Let us live each day with the intention of bringing glory to Christ, knowing that He is the one who sustains us and holds us together. May we reflect His glory in all that we do, and may our lives testify to the beauty and power of the One who created us.
May the peace of Christ be with you all. Amen.