Advent Day 13 – The Preeminent One

“And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent.”

Colossians 1:18

Jesus rules. We are constantly engaged in conversations about authority in our culture. From the White House, to local government, to our workplace and homes, and even in the church. Authority is constantly on our minds and in the news.

But with this one verse from God’s Word, the issue of “who’s in charge” is settled once and for all. Jesus is the One Who will reign eternally. This passage affirms Christ’s authority:

OVER THE CHURCH —“He is the head of the body, the church….” Churches are continually being disrupted and even ripped apart by issues of authority. An overly autocratic pastor or leadership board can cripple a church’s witness and ministry in their community. Those who lead in the church would do well to continually remind themselves that it is CHRIST’s church, and not theirs.

OVER ALL CREATION —“He is the beginning….” In Revelation, we hear the returning Messiah state, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end….” In other words, Jesus is claiming “I was here before it all began and will be here when it all ends.” He is Lord of creation, time, and space. Nothing escapes His headship.

OVER LIFE AND DEATH —“He is the firstborn from among the dead….” His ultimate claim is one that shows even Jesus’ authority over death. He is “the firstborn from among the dead….” In His resurrection, Jesus asserted the reach of His authority over the last enemy to be destroyed: Death, hell, and the grave.

Jesus rules. There is no one greater. There is no authority higher. Jesus reminded us of that when He ascended to the Father after His resurrection appearances, “ALL authority is given unto Me….”

Jesus rules.

Forever.