Building a Foundation Part 2: Jesus Christ, My God Appointed Captain

“15-[Jesus Christ] is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16-For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. 17-And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. 18-And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have preeminence.” Colossians 1:15-18 (NKJV)

In last week’s entry I alluded to the fact that Jesus Christ is the only One who has the power to deliver us from Sin. So where does that power come from? The answer can be found in this passage from Colossians (among other places), and is the second foundational truth I desire to share with you. So here we go:

Verses 15 and 16 tell us Jesus is the manifestation of the invisible (to us here on earth) God of Heaven; the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. He is God with us; Emmanuel. He is God; the same God in Genesis- the Creator. That which God created, was created specifically for Jesus Christ, His Son.

Throughout Scripture, and many different cultures, all that is a father’s is given to the eldest son (the firstborn) as his due inheritance. This is exactly what Paul is showing us here -Jesus Christ, the Son, inherits kingship over all creation from God, the Father. Not only is He King over the living, but by being crucified on the cross and being raised from the dead on the third day, He is given authority over the dead. The dead. That’s us; dead in our Sin. We were born dead in Sin and by God’s grace given life through Jesus Christ’s blood on the cross.

So, God has given to Jesus Christ, all creation and all God's people, as His inheritance. He has been uniquely given the power over life and over death, making Him the only One who qualifies as the perfect sacrifice; the One whose innocent blood was shed to cover our Sin.

This passage in Colossians is one of my most favorite descriptions of Jesus Christ, my King, the One to whom I bend my knee. It proves His supremacy in all things; it proclaims His majesty. What this means for you and me, on a day by day, hour by hour basis, is that we should look to Christ as the captain of our ship. Under His headship, He leads and guides us. So read the Word, talk with Him, heed the direction of our Captain. In our lives Jesus Christ should be preeminent. He deserves and should always hold the highest place.

Jesus, my King, You are sovereign and I willingly submit to You. Thank You for the gifts and abilities You have granted me. May they ever be used to further Your Name. Lead me to lead others to the Truth You have given us in Your word. The Holy Spirit does the work, but I desire to fulfill the task You have graciously given me. Great is Your Name and greatly to be praised. You are preeminent in all things Lord, continue conforming my life to live under that truth and under Your headship. In Jesus’ Name; Amen.