Heb.1:3 – And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power. When He had made purification of sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,
This verse is absolutely breathtaking. It talks about the radiance of God’s glory emanating from Christ and also how Christ is the exact representation or image of the Father. Those two things alone are stunning; but what takes my breath away is the next part, “He upholds all things by the word of His power”. What is Paul getting at in this description of Christ seated on the throne in heaven? The key is what the word uphold means. First it implies the holding together and restoration of a fallen universe and a fallen race. Here is how Matthew Henry describes this.
“The weight of the whole creation is laid upon Christ: he supports the whole and all the parts. When, upon the apostasy, the world was breaking to pieces under the wrath and curse of God, the Son of God, undertaking the work of redemption, bound it up again, and established it by his almighty power and goodness. None of the ancient prophets sustained such an office as this, none was sufficient for it.”
We see everyday the ramifications of the fall in civilization and in creation. Who would have thought that Putin would morph into Adolf Hitler but he has. Without the restrainer upholding all things this situation could go totally out of control. Of course this characteristic of holding things together also works in our own personal lives. Even when we were without Christ destroying our own lives with bad choices, He has upheld our lives knowing we are ultimately we belong to Him. But He doesn’t stop there, this word ‘upholds’ also means to carry along to its fulfillment.Here is how Brian Simmons defines this.
“The Greek word phero, has as its primary meaning “to carry along” or “to move [something] forward.” Forward motion is implied.”
So Jesus is sitting at the Father’s right hand not only keeping things from falling apart, He is carrying all things along to fulfill His ultimate purposes. We are praying “let your kingdom come” and that is exactly what He is doing. His plan is proceeding like clockwork. He has creation, civilization, and even you in His hand. Things are moving right along, the kingdom of God is at hand.
3 thoughts on “MOVING RIGHT ALONG”
Even when I can be overwhelmed by the cares of this life, Jesus is still upholding, moving me right along. I have become part of His plan, what an incredible thing that has happened to all who He called to Himself. The chains to living and surviving this life have been removed and all my attention is free to seek and serve Him and His purposes.
PRAY PRAY PRAY PRAY
He upholds ALL things by the Word if His power. And He has said “I give you authority over ALL the work of the enemy” therefore GO! In Christ we become the channel / conduit for the working of His power on earth through prayer. Re-dig the wells of revival, return and do the first works that He may finish what He started in you, in Victory, in New Orleans 40 years ago.
PRAY PRAY PRAY PRAY PRAY
Your posts enrich me. Thank you so much Pastor for your steadfastness.