By Gary Ray Branscome
The
words, “All things in heaven and earth, both visible and invisible, were
created by Him [Christ]… and by Him all things have their [continuous]
existence,” tell us that God’s providence is not limited to His care for
mankind, but includes all that God has created, down to the smallest
detail (Colossians 1:16-17).
In
reference to the verse just quoted, R. C. H. Lenski —
whose commentary on the New Testament is widely regarded as the best in dealing
with the Greek — has this to say:
Two additional statements complete the immense
thought so far expressed: “and he [Christ] is before all things whatever (no
article), and all the things that exist (again the article) have their
permanence in connection with him,” in connection with whom they were created
in the first place. Creation and preservation naturally go together. The latter
is highly pertinent here. No created being in the universe is independent of
Christ. All are “through him and for him so that he is before them,” and all
of them have their continuous existence only “in connection with him. (“The
Interpretation of St. Paul’s Epistles to the Colossians, to the Thessalonians,
to Timothy, to Titus and to Philemon” page 58.)
The
words, “Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they do not labor,
or spin: Yet I am telling you, That even Solomon in all his splendor was not
dressed like one of these… if that is how God clothes the grass of the field,
that is here today, and is thrown into the fire tomorrow, will He not much more
clothe you, O you of little faith?” tell us that God cares for the plants
(Matthew 6:28-30).
The
words, “Look at the birds of the air: for they do not sow, or reap, or
gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more
valuable than they?” tell us that God cares for the animals (Matthew
The
words, “God… has made of one blood all nations of men to live on all the
face of the earth, and has determined their appointed times, and the boundaries
they live in; So that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might
grope for Him, and find Him, although He is not far from any one of us,”
tell us that He cares for all men (Acts 17:24,26,27).
The
words, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people
whom He has chosen for His own inheritance. The LORD looks from heaven; He
beholds all the sons of men. From His dwelling place He looks upon all the
inhabitants of the earth. He sees the hearts of them all; He is aware of all
they do,” tell us that God cares about His people, and watches over them
(Psalm 33:12-15). And, the words, “The curse of the LORD is on the house of
the wicked: but He blesses the home of the just,” tell us that God’s people
are those who are justified by faith, for that is the only way to be just in
the sight of God (Proverbs 3:33).
The words, “O LORD, I know that a man does not
control his own way: and no one who walks directs his own steps,” //
“A man’s steps are ordered by the LORD; so how can a man understand his own
way?” tell us that God is in control of our life whether we realize it or
not (Jeremiah 10:23, Proverbs 20:24). The words, “In all your ways
acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.” // “All things work
together for good for those who love God, for those who are the called
according to His purpose,” tell us that God’s hand of providence is at work
guiding and watching over His people (Proverbs 3:6, Romans 8:28). And, the words, “To which of the angels has He ever said, Sit on
my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool? Are they
not all spirits who serve Him, and are sent forth to help those who will be
heirs of salvation?” tell us that God cares for us and sends His angels to
help us (Hebrews
The words, “That is the foundation upon which I
will build my church; and the gates of hell will not prevail against it,”
tell us that nothing Satan devises to thwart the work of the gospel will
prevail (Matthew