Colossians 1:16: “…all things were created by him, and for him …"
We have been created for Jesus. To absorb ourselves in our self-absorbed plans and dreams is to miss out on our purpose. Oh indeed, men may applaud us, but Heaven’s endorsement will be noticeable only by its absence. Last time we demonstrated this truth in the story of Jonah. To further illustrate this point, let your mind go back to 1 Kings 17. The Lord had sent Elijah into hiding from wicked King Ahab. But, how would he survive in the wilderness? So, the Lord said to Elijah (and I paraphrase) “Don’t worry a thing about it, I have commanded the ravens to come and feed you.”
This is startling!
Why?
Because the most stingy and greedy birds in the world are ravens. They would rather plunder and pillage than share with anyone. But the Lord spoke to them, and they obeyed. It’s as if they said, “Lord we were created by you, and we are created for you.”
Then, consider Jesus on the day He entered Jerusalem (Luke 19). He dispatched the disciples to bring him a little, unbroken donkey. Furthermore, He instructed them to respond to anyone who gave challenge to their right to take the donkey, “The Lord has need of him”. Imagine going up to a stranger’s house and taking a car without permission. But this is the equivalent of what they did and yes, they were challenged as to what they were doing but when they replied, ‘the Lord has need of him’ everything changed. “Oh, the Lord has need of him…that makes everything alright.” It’s as if they said of the donkey, “He was created by the Lord and He is created for the Lord.”
And then remember when Jesus was entering Jerusalem on that donkey. The crowd was calling out their praises, but there were those who wanted Jesus to silence them. The Lord’s reply was and is significant. He said that if the crowd refused to praise him the very stones would cry out. It’s as if He said, “These stones were created by me and they are created for me.”
Are you getting the point? All of nature gets it! The wind, the fish, the ravens, the owners of the donkey and the inanimate stones all get it. They know that all has been created for Him. Have we grasped this yet? We are not independent of Him, we are not some untouched island.
We are created for Him.
We are here to glorify Him.
Let’s quickly take a trip to Heaven and listen in to what they are doing there. Peek in and see the 24 elders before the throne. Listen to what they are saying to Jesus. Their mantra is, “Thou art worthy to receive glory honour and power for thou hast created all things and for thy pleasure they were and are created.”
He has created us for Himself and for His pleasure. So, is Jesus enough? Is building your life on Him enough? Perhaps you are saying, “I believe that I am created for Him but how do I put legs on this? How do I start living for Him in all things?” There is no law, no seven steps to take; however, the words of a children’s hymn are very helpful to answer this question. While not exhaustive, the insight it furnishes is very helpful; it says;
“O what can little hands do To please the King of Heav'n?
The little hands some work may try That will some simple need supply:
Such grace to mine be given,
O what can little lips do To please the King of Heav'n?; The little lips can praise and pray, And gentle words of kindness say:
Such grace to mine be given,
O what can little eyes do To please the King of Heav'n?
The little eyes can upward look, Can learn to read God's Holy Book:
Such grace to mine be given,
O what can little hearts do To please the King of Heav'n?
Young hearts, if he his Spirit send, Can love their Maker, Saviour, Friend:
Such grace to mine be given.”
As we purpose to set our life apart to the glory of God, He will lead us to the steps He has prepared. We have been created for Him!
Jesus is enough.
And that’s the Gospel Truth!