He Is the Glue

For by Him all things were created, {both} in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created by Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. --Colossians 1:16, 17

I have often looked at world economies and wondered what was holding them together; they should not work. I look at governments and wonder at their existence. What is keeping them going? Familiesthat are cold and dysfunctional; how do they keep running? Individual lives that are empty, hopeless, shallow echoes of the flesh; how do they manage to carry on? All things visible are held together by something presently invisible, Jesus. It is not true that man needs to be dependent on God. Why? Because he is dependent already, and whether or not that truth is acknowledged makes very little difference to the fact of the matter.  

Jesus Christ is holding together the dictator, as well as those who persecute. He is holding together the criminal, the politician, the unethical businessman, and anyone else who would oppress. For many, such a realization would give cause to blame God. “Who could worship a God that holds together the wicked, self-centered, and abusive people?” But for me, the recognition has brought a great peace and rest. I know that if He holds them together, then He is ultimately in charge and can cause all things to work toward His end. The One who is the Glue is Love, and love will not harm me. I do not have to panic or invite in fear of the future as I look to the government. My life is not in the hands of the visible, but in the hands of the Glue that holds together my world, my family, my emotions, my will, and my deepest life. I can leave it to others to plot and plan how their own efforts can best control their visible world; they will try to find security in vocation, in assets, in family, and in others; my world is held together by the Divine Glue of love. Amazing! Amazing love! I have no worries!

Carnal man is blind; he builds but neglects to recognize the Glue that has His own mind, will, divine plan, and goal. Carnal man lives in pride and independence but has not succeeded in running and hiding from God, for Jesus is right there in the midst of all that has been created, a "Holy Spy" in all the secret places of man’s heart and accomplishments. The Divine Glue will determine the end of all things, even of those who think they hold themselves together. When He mandates the end, He can simply remove Himself from the visible governmental powers, and they will be no more. When the Glue withdraws, all will crumble.

I believe that Christians can be quiet and let the years speak against the minutes, willing to wait as they watch God’s plan revealed. We must have the faith to see Him as the invisible Glue in charge, in ultimate control, working all things to His end; and then we must rest and watch with joy the unfolding of the glorious days ahead. Our God is doing all things perfectly.