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Who’s on First?

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15  He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16  For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. 17  And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. Colossians 1:15-17

One of my favorite comedic sketches would have to be Abbot and Costello’s Who’s on First.  Being an avid baseball fan and possessing the middle name Brett after KC’s hall of famer George Brett, I love baseball and anything related to it.  The sketch, besides being comedic gold, reminds me of another more important question.  Instead of wondering who is on first base, it makes me ask who is first? In my life and in the universe who is really on the throne? The Bible has one clear answer, God’s son, Jesus Christ.

He is the image of the invisible God. Jesus looks like or exactly represents God. (Hebrews 1:1-3) We see the invisible God perfectly in Jesus. He is a perfect visible manifestation or revelation of God.  Christ is the one in whom we meet and comprehend the true nature and character of God, Just like in the word of God we see God truly and clearly, in the incarnate Word we see God truly and clearly.

 He is the firstborn of/over all creation. This does not mean the first thing born in all creation. Jesus is the creator of creation.  Christ did not have a beginning, He has always existed with God and the Spirit eternally.  There was never a time when Christ was not.  Then why does the Bible call him the firstborn?  It is a title denoting something essential about his character.  Firstborn, as a title means that Jesus has all the rights and rule over the inheritance as a son.  He is first in rank and authority over all that he has created.  Preeminence was given to the firstborn, supreme over all, first in rank, firstborn over all creation and given authority and rule over the creation that He has made. It goes on to explain this further. Supreme to what extent?

For by him all things we created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities –The things that today’s false teachers would point to like used car salesman in order to help you gain their vague, positive and mystical spirituality, Jesus Christ rules over them and have no power in themselves.  From the earth itself, to even angels or demons, to the powers governments and authorities around them, Christ is supreme over all things.

All things were created through him and for him How could the created things in the world ever surpass the greatness and power of their uncreated Creator?  How could they ever rise above Christ? He towers above their power and influence and ability.  Abraham Kuyper once wrote, “There is not a square inch in the whole domain of our human existence over which Christ, who is Sovereign over all, does not cry, Mine!” All things that have been created by Christ exist for His own purposes.  Us, nature, rulers and authorities and angels and demons all originally were created by Christ and FOR HIS PURPOSES AND FOR HIS GLORY.  Everything on this earth including you and the air that fills your lungs belongs to Jesus Christ.

He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. As the creator of all things he also sustains all things in his creation, upholding them by the same infinite power he used to create them. He is not only creator, but sustainer.  The law of gravity is a constant force in our world because Christ sustains it.  The 23 degree tilt of the earth’s axis is put there by God, so that we have the seasons that we do, and that we could survive those seasons.  It all holds together by the mighty strength of Jesus.

So the question is laid before us, Jesus Christ is the ruler of all things and everything exists for his plans and purposes and glory. So do I live like that is true?  Do I believe that he holds this whole universe together including every iota and hair of my fragile life? Do I live as if Jesus is the ruler of all things or do I think that I am the ruler of my own little universe? The reality is, only Jesus has the right to sit on the throne. The incredible part is, He is also the only one that we should want on the throne too.  Who’s on first? Who is first? Jesus Christ.

            In Christ, My Only Hope, Pastor Steven

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