Introduction: Is JESUS CHRIST #1 in your life? How can you tell? Two ways: how you spend your money, and how you spend your time. Check it out. What would you say? Is more time spent on doing what you {we} want to do, rather than what Jesus would have us to do? Wow! That is heart search, isn’t it?
Anyway, we all must admit that we are a work in progress. Right? Truthfully, at times we may “die to self,” and at other times “yield to God’s will.” Honestly, it becomes a struggle. Actually, it can be a real battle. As a matter of fact, would it be accurate to say that in certain seasons of our life we are more sensitive to the work of the Holy Spirit? But regardless, this passage of Scripture speaks volumes as to why JESUS desires first place.
1. Jesus designated as the Head of the Church who controls the Body! (Col. 1:18) – “And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead.”
The word “firstborn” is prōtótokos and refers to the first among others who follow Jesus from the dead. Connect the dots. Jesus was crucified, buried, but arose from the dead. He was the first to conquer the grave and never die again! We, the Church {the body of Christ}, are the first to follow in His VICTORIOUS steps!!
First, our spirits rise to heaven at the moment of death. But then our bodies will rise from the grave at the RAPTURE! Finally, both our bodies and spirits will be reunited to be forever with Jesus in His FATHER’S house (John 14:1–3).
So follow the thought: since JESUS CHRIST has been given to be the head over the Church, then we must submit to Him. That is God’s will. Have you come under His authority? If not, why not?
2. Jesus deserves FIRST PLACE! (Col. 1:18, 19) – “…that in all things he might have the preeminence. For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell.”
That word “preeminence” tells it all. It is the word πρωτεύω (pro-tyoo’-o). It literally means to have first place! It can be understood as “to be first.” Also, there is another interesting thought found in the word “fulness.”
It has to do with abundance or totality. One word picture uses the illustration of a boat being “filled” with sailors, etc. In other words, Jesus has been filled with all the “fulness” of God because He is God! Therefore, He should have FIRST PLACE.
Conclusion: So in a corporate Church setting, JESUS should have “FIRST PLACE” in worship, preaching, giving, and serving. In a personal setting, Jesus should have FIRST PLACE in one’s finances, family, and faith.
Does He need to be ENTHRONED in your life? Let Him be Lord!
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese
