"And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from [among] the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence." (Colossians 1:18)
"....that in all things He may have the preeminence," i.e., "in order of importance and rank." The Amplified says, "in every respect might occupy the chief place [stand first and be preeminent]." One translation says, "have the supremacy." In other words, if any name is named, the Name of Jesus should be predominant, the Word of Jesus the governance of our life style, and the Name of Jesus fill our songs and witness.
In the summer of 1962 I traveled with a group called "Athletic Ambassadors," representing the Evangelical United Brethren Church. We were a group of young men from various sports. We were a part of the national gathering in Minnesota of "The Fellowship of Christian Athletes," where Jesse Owens was one of the featured speakers (Yes, I guess I am pretty old). Anyway, a prominent major league baseball player was leading a discussion group I was in. After I shared at one point, he simply said, "We need to be careful that we don't make this a Jesus religion." I did not want to disturb the gathering, but the thought occurred to me, "What else is it?"
Even though that was a diplomatic rebuke, I actually felt quite honored. In that moment, Jesus had "the preeminence" in my life.
The Bible says, "For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as there are many gods and many lords), yet for us there is one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we for Him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, through whom are all things, and through whom we live. However, there is not in everyone that knowledge...." Most people are only familiar with "so-called gods" and the "many gods and many lords," gods of their imagination. They don't knowThe God, The Lord. So you and I have a mission today. Be sure that all who know us come to "that knowledge...," that the God of Whom we speak is revealed solely in Jesus, the preeminent One.
Father, in Jesus' Name, I am most thankful that You cleared up the confusion in the human race as to Who You Are in Jesus Christ. Amen.
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"Looking Unto Jesus"
Hebrews 12:2
Hebrews 12:2
