Colossians 1:17. "And he is before all things, and by him all things consist."
BEFORE ALL THINGS. Before there was this small city that I have come to call my home. Before my fore-bearers came across this country and ceased to roam. Before this nation had a name or adopted a constitution - God was here and arranged things this way, so that I might experience salvation.
Before there were nations in Europe and the Bible was printed on a press. Before the Dark Ages covered that continent and believers were oppressed. Before Rome ruled and many believers were martyred because of their faith. God was here and had sent His Son as the Redeemer to take our place.
Before His Star shone over Bethlehem, wise men came to see. Before the shepherds came in their haste to see Jesus lying on the hay. Before Mary and Elizabeth; before the prophets and the kings. God was here and planned out history that He might salvation bring.
Before Israelites wandered in the wilderness, even before they were slaves. Before Jacob sent his sons to Egypt that the life of his family would be saved. Before Abraham had offered Isaac, who lay on the altar and wood. God was here and had given promises that they might believe His Word.
Before Noah built an ark or Job was a successful farmer. Before Abel brought his sacrifice and Cain became the first murderer. Before Adam and Eve sinned by taking the forbidden fruit. God was here and had designed this way to unfold for us His truth.
Before an eagle flapped its wings; before a cow bent to eat grass. Before the herbs were made by God with seeds that they might last. Before there was a sun and moon before there was even light. God was here and His voice was heard speaking into the night.
Before the farthest reaches of my imagination, God did eternally exist. With all of His attributes fully intact, He designed the plan of redeeming grace. In His mind there appears to have been plans that reach way into the future. God is still here maintaining everything that these plans He might nurture.
"Lord God of the past, present, and future: I am awed by the fact that Thou dost let me and others know Thee personally. I am in one way fearful and in another way comfortable in Thy presence. I guess the best thing I can do is worship in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen."