For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him 

Colossians 1:16 

Christ is King of kings and Lord of Lords. All those who are kings and rulers in the world are there by His creation. Our text begins with the widest scope of creation, of all things in heaven and earth, visible and invisible; then narrows down to thrones, dominions, principalities, and powers. We tend to look at kings or rulers and think they have ascended to their places by their own means. Our text tells us how they got there. Other passages support the fact that Christ creates rulers and puts them in their places. Nebuchadnezzar said, ‘the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, gives it to whomever He will, and sets over it the lowest of men.’ Earlier in the book of Daniel, Daniel had said, ‘He removes kings and raises up kings.’ Paul remarks, ‘Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.’ These are a few of many references which we could set forth that support the fact that Christ has created all things down to the very people in positions of power. This is particularly important for us to understand especially when the people in authority are not good people and are not ruling well. Daniel served the Babylonians. Christ grew up, lived and died in the days of the Roman Empire. Beyond anything else that is going on, or whoever is in power, God is still in control.  

High King of heaven, 
we rejoice that You rule over all. 
We praise You that the powers that are, 
hold their place because of You. 

Tomm Tice
Where the Bush is Burning

For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. 

Colossians 1:16 

Creation is a fact. It is a fact for which we need not fear to stand. Nor do we need to feel it necessary to go to great lengths to attempt to scientifically prove it in the face of those who deny it. Our belief in creation depends upon God and His Word. The Scriptures begin ‘in the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.’ If we begin there, believing that God is, that He has revealed Himself and that He has revealed Himself in creation, we have begun with faith. We believe that God is and that He is a rewarder of those, who diligently seek Him. Thus our belief in creation begins with our belief in God and in the revelations of His word, the first of which is that He has created the earth and what is in the heavens. While there is nothing intrinsically wrong with marshaling proofs for creation from science, a person without faith will dismiss those proofs. We are not fazed by what anyone uses to seek to disprove creation because it is a matter of faith. From the first verse through the entire Bible creation is declared as a matter of fact. According to Peter, to deny creation is a matter of willful ignorance, ‘For this they willfully forget: that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of water and in the water.’ Our text goes so far as to affirm creation, and to declare that Christ is the Creator. Therefore when we speak of Him, we speak of the One who made us.  

Great God of wonders, 
we rejoice that You have created all things. 
We praise You that You have made us 
part of that creation.

Tomm Tice
Where the Bush is Burning

Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; For I shall yet praise Him, the help of my countenance and my God.  

Psalm 43:5  

In the course of life we may often find ourselves cast down. Because it does occur to many of us as a practical reality, we have reason to ask ourselves, ‘Why are you cast down, O my soul?’ In the case of the psalmist it was ‘an ungodly nation’ and ‘deceitful, unjust’ men. They were oppressive to this man and by logical inference, his people. Thus, he was cast down with good reason. Having said that, there are others in the Scripture who were cast down with good reason. Moses was cast down because of the contrariness of the children of Israel in the wilderness. David was cast down because of the murderous campaign of Saul against him. Elijah was cast down because of his physical tiredness as well as mental and spiritual exhaustion. These are a few instances of many. We want to recognize that to be cast down of soul is a common human experience from which followers of Christ are not exempt. Faith in Christ does not mean we will not experience hours of darkness. If we do experience them we are not less than truly spiritual. Many who have trusted in Christ have been cast down. We are not alone.    

Our Gracious Master and our God,  
we praise You that You have partaken in our humanity,  
and that you understand us.  
In our darkest hours, we hope in You. 

Tomm Tice
Where the Bush is Burning

Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; for I shall yet praise Him, the help of my countenance and my God.  

Psalm 43:5 

What is the solution for us when we are downcast? The psalmist has asked himself the question, ‘Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me?’ The earlier portions of the psalm indicate the source of his distress. An ungodly nation, deceitful, unjust men, and the oppression of the enemy were the cause of his being downcast. The natural-minded person would have a natural solution for him. They might say ‘be more thankful; choose joy; follow the commands of God more closely; be more faithful.’ These solutions all turn downcast souls back to themselves. By contrast, the author knows where the solution is. He says, ‘hope in God.’ Self-help is not the way for us to come out of being downcast. We are not our own saviors. Christ is our Savior. All our hope is in God and God’s hope for us is through Christ. When Elijah was downcast, Christ came to him. When Peter sank in the waves, Christ lifted him. Christ is the hope of His downcast people. If you are downcast today, for whatever reason, look to Christ. He has always been, is now, and shall ever be the Hope of His people. Hope in God.  

Our Good and Gracious God,  
we rejoice that You are the help of the downcast.  
We praise You that when we are at our lowest,  
You lift us up.  

Tomm Tice
Where the Bush is Burning