Colossians 1:15–17 - The Center of the Universe

 

The National Geodetic Survey is a government agency that maps out the topography of the United States. They place permanent survey markers in various locations that indicate the exact latitude and longitude of a specific point, along with the elevation above sea level. Occasionally you'll see such markers on mountain tops, probably because they're more exposed there.

Wallace, Idaho, has created it's own survey marker. In the middle of the main intersection in town, it proudly declares, "The Center of the Universe -- Wallace, Idaho." To make sure that potential tourists don't miss the photo-op, there are several street signs all pointing toward the marker. Standing by a sign that points to me as THE CENTER OF THE UNIVERSE is irresistible.

Of course I don't wear a sign that says I'm the center of the universe. Instead, I'll maneuver things so that my wife's weekend schedule accommodates my own schedule. I'll make sure that I get proper credit for the best idea on a task force, because everyone knows my ideas are best. I'll rush to get to the head of the line--whether it's at Wal-Mart or the freeway entrance. I'll insist that a service representative take care of my complaint before handling anything else.

It's my personal megalomania. On a larger scale, despots create international or civil war. 

“4 But the one who rules in heaven laughs. The Lord scoffs at them. 5 Then in anger he rebukes them, terrifying them with his fierce fury. 6 For the Lord declares, 'I have placed my chosen king on the throne in Jerusalem, on my holy mountain.'”  (Psalm 2:4-6, New Living Translation, 2015)

The chosen king is described this way:
"15 Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation, 16 for through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can’t see— such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world. Everything was created through him and for him. 17 He existed before anything else, and he holds all creation together."  (Colossians 1:15–17, NLT)

Father in heaven, It becomes very wearisome when I try to run the universe. Forgive me for even trying. I don't give up control; I simply acknowledge that you've been the center of the universe all along. Amen.