December 17

But Christ is all and in all. — Colossians 3:11.

THERE is no possibility of the Christian estimating Christ too highly, or of having his heart too completely set upon him. Were our most exalted powers to be constantly raised in contemplation of his person and excellencies, we should find that it is impossible to know the extent of his glories, and that his greatness is unsearchable. Jesus cannot be too often the subject of our thoughts, or the theme of our conversation. We shall only be as happy as he desires we should be, by constantly keeping the eye of our minds upon him, and looking to him as the Author, until he becomes the Finisher of our faith. Indeed, there is no event connected with the world, or with the church, which is not identified with Christ, so that in all things he is all in all. Our first illustration of this will be taken from the Creation of the world. It is quite clear from scriptural statement, that Christ is the Creator of all things. Hence the apostle remarks, "that God created all things by Jesus Christ" (Ephesians 3:9.) And also, that by him, "God made the worlds" (Hebrews 1:2.). Then he particularizes, and states the subject more fully, when he says, "By him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible; whether they be thrones or dominions, principalities or powers" (Colossians 1:16.). John also states in the beginning of his gospel, "that all things were made by him, and without him was not any thing made, that was made" (John 1:3.). But not only did God create all things by Jesus, but also "all things were created for him" (Colossians 1:17.), His glory was the end of creation. Our world especially he formed to be the theatre of his marvellous acts, and the scene of the wonders of his grace. Hence it is said, that before the mountains were laid, or the hills settled, his delights were with the sons of men.