For in Him All Things Were Created - Part 1

Colossians 1:16
For in him all things were created; things in heaven and earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.

In my second novel, Redemption, in the Adventures in The Glade series, Pastor Mike Russell delivers a sermon based upon the scripture quoted above.  I invite you to read Part 1 of his words as he attempts to explain the miracle now known to Nantahala United Methodist Church as "Mad Squirrel Sunday."  Part 2 will follow on the next installment of Meditations of My Heart.

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"Once again, allow me to warmly welcome you all to Nantahala United Methodist Church.  As many of you in attendance today are new to our congregation, let me begin by saying I was not here last week as I had a family emergency.  Considering what happened to Pastor Williams, I must confess I'm glad I wasn't."

Hearty laughter filled the sanctuary.  When the noise subsided, Mike continued.

"However, I was apprised of the situation by a flood of phone calls and emails from our church members, something I sincerely appreciate, so thank you to all who contacted me.  So many of you asked what I thought about a 'mad,' larger-than-life squirrel appearing out of nowhere and vanishing before your eyes.  'What could it be?'  'Where could it have come from?'  'How could something like this creature even exist?'

"As I perused your questions, I admit I was just as mystified as you were.  I simply had no answer to give.  Then as I was reading the assigned scripture for today in order to prepare this sermon, my eyes fell on this verse from Colossans.  If you brought your Bible today, please turn with me to Colossians 1:16 and follow along as I read the passage aloud."

Pastor Mike paused until the rippling and rustling of turning pages ceased.  He cleared his throat, making Davy think of Reverend, and began:

"For in him all things were created; things in heaven and earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him."

Mike paused for a moment, allowing the words of scripture to sink into the congregation's heads before he spoke again.  

"God's creation is vast, and what we know about it, in our limited human capacity, is only the tip of the iceberg.  He has created not some things, but ALL things in heaven and on earth; the things we can see and the things we can't.  We needn't have much faith to believe in the things we are able to see, but it takes great faith to believe in the things hidden from our eyes.  Let me ask you all a questions.  Do you believe in angels?"

Nods and murmured "yeses" answered him.

"So do I, but I've never seen one.  How about the Holy Spirit?  Can I see Him?  No, but I believe in my heart of hearts He is guiding me, and I hope you, in your daily walk with the Lord."

~

How do you see the Holy Spirit guiding your walk with the Lord?

Prayer:  Father, thank You for your marvelous creation, for all those things, seen and unseen, that propel us toward a life lived in accordance with Your will.  When our faith wavers doubts enter in, wrap us in Your strong arms of certainty and assurance, that we might know the power and presence of Your love and, in turn, pass that love on to others.  In Jesus' name, we pray.  Amen.