Daily Worship

In him all things hold together

Jane Denniston November 10, 2021 0 0
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Hebrews 9: 24; Colossians 1: 15-17 (NRSVA)

9) 24 For Christ did not enter a sanctuary made by human hands, a mere copy of the true one, but he entered into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God on our behalf.

 

1) 15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation; 16 for in him all things in heaven and on earth were created, things visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or powers—all things have been created through him and for him. 17 He himself is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 

 

So much that we take for granted about life has been undermined by recent events, including climate change and the pandemic. With the crucial COP26 conference meeting in Glasgow, it has never been more appropriate to remember that Jesus came, not just to save humanity, but to save the world. All things have been created through him and for him, but he has given us the responsibility to be stewards of this creation. Tragically, we are failing. In the words of the American author, pastor and theologian, Jim Wallis, “Ours is a shallow and selfish age, and we are in need of conversion—from looking out just for ourselves to also looking out for one another.”

The kingdom Jesus envisioned was for a better life for all. Again, in the words of Jim Wallis, “That better way of life was meant to benefit not only his followers but everybody else too.” At this moment, we are in danger of ensuring only death and devastation for our children’s children. Our situation was described by the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change as a code red for humanity. As Jesus intercedes for us, at the right hand of the Father, let us join our intercessions to his, and pray that we would turn from our selfish ways which are doing such damage to this wonderful world.

 

PRAYER:

 

Father of creation,

forgive us for our selfishness

as we plunder the earth’s resources

for our own satisfaction.

Help us to learn once again to care for your creation.

May COP26 achieve its purposes

in gaining agreement between world leaders

on strategies which will turn back the clock on climate change

and give this world a future and a hope, Amen