Thank you for joining us this month as we unwrap gifts Jesus gives us because we are in relationship with Him. Yes, there are spiritual gifts, but this month we are talking about some of the innumerable spiritual blessings that are ours in Him.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places…. —Ephesians 1:3
Today, I want to focus on a gift found in Colossians 1:17: “And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” Jesus holds ALL things together! Profound, I am still uncovering the depth of this truth. “ALL” and “things” are big and vague words. If we venture a little further, the text sheds light on these words. Verses 19 and 20 say, “For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.” I love the way The Message sheds light on these verses:
…all the broken and dislocated pieces of the universe—people and things, animals and atoms—get properly fixed and fit together in vibrant harmonies, all because of his death, his blood that poured down from the cross. —Colossians 1:19-20 (MSG)
No matter our circumstances— good, bad, and/or ugly, if we are “in Christ” we can count on Him to hold us together. But what does that really mean, and how does He do it? So far, I have thought of three ways he holds everything together: redemption, restoration, and sanctification.
Redemption
When we trust Jesus as our Savior and Lord, he redeems us. He paid the penalty for our sin, freeing us from a life enslaved to sin and destined for eternal death. Titus 2:14 says Jesus “gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.” He buys us back to make us His people. He can hold together those who submit to Him.
Restoration
Once we’re saved the Holy Spirit goes to work to restore the beliefs, values, relationships, and actions marred by sin. First, our relationship with God is restored, and then other areas of brokenness receive the loving care of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. 1 Peter 5:10 says, “And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.” Our restoration is personal and is attended to by the author of salvation Himself. Jesus holds together those He has restored.
Sanctification
Never ceasing, the Holy Spirit continues to refine us into Christ likeness until we see Jesus face to face. Sanctification is the process purification. According to 1 Thessalonians 5:23, clearly sanctification is a process that will one day be complete: “Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Furthering our understanding of this work of the Holy Spirit, Philippians 1:6 encourages us with this: “he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” Sanctification is the work of God. Our job is to yield to Him so He can work. Jesus holds together those He is sanctifying,
This truth is a gift— Jesus holds ALL things together.
What this Gift Is Not
- It isn’t magic. I can’t repeat it as a mantra and expect a miracle.
- This gift isn’t a fairytale. Jesus is at work in the lives of those who love Him. It is real life.
- It doesn’t guarantee OUR desired outcomes.
What this Gift Is
- The gift of Christ’s presence with us always, no matter the circumstances.
- Jesus gifts us with His acquaintance with ALL our sorrows and difficulties.
- The gift is resourceful. He uses everything in our lives to point us and others to Him.
- This gift guarantees GOD’s desired outcome.
Unwrap Your Gifts From Jesus
Anticipating Christmas, it is my prayer that you will unwrap the gifts Christ gives you, explore them, and live them. May you experience Jesus holding ALL things together in your life.
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