The Preeminence of Christ
(Eph. 1:17-23, 4:10, Rom. 14:17, Dan. 10:4-10)
I have recently heard the phrase of the title mentioned by two different followers of Christ. I would first remind us that Jesus is the Christ. I write this because I hear some cast the Christ apart from the man Jesus, or add some other distortion to His person. I have heard it said that He is a mystery and a marvel and I appreciate that simple statement. I think it is a great way to express the truth. It is a mystery that God took on human flesh. Let us not be distracted by words and our inability to comprehend the wisdom and love of God to display his immeasurable love by sending His Son. He left heaven yet was always aware of His Father’s presence with Him. We could continue sharing about His time on earth among mankind but most important that we grow in knowing Him as He is today.
God has highly exalted Him, this man Jesus, and given Him a place and a name above every name and authority. No one compares to Him. We are called to make Him our Lord, but I have found that I first simply acknowledge that He is Lord. He alone is worthy to rule. And I am wise enough to know that I must receive His Spirit, be filled up continually with that Holy Spirit, and let down my resistance to His working in my life. By the Spirit, His kingdom, His rule, is expressed in and through us. The kingdom of God is righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. His lordship is made known in and through us by the Spirit.
Some among His people are concerned about an increased emphasis of the Spirit in our day. The real problem throughout the church has been our own doubts and fears of things getting out of control. The Corinthians were out of control because they were dealing with their earthly, carnal natures. It takes time for us to grow. Patience with those under our spiritual care is critical to an atmosphere of grace. But we must never allow the deception that we can continue as we came and not grow. The letter to the Romans acknowledges that some are still practicing corrupt lifestyles. Paul took the time to teach them and bring them to Romans 12. He beseeches them to present their bodies a living sacrifice. That word, beseech, is a strong word. Dictionary meanings include to beg earnestly or urgently. We could say implore. Paul’s heart was in it. The Spirit is patient yet earnestly after us. He pursues our hearts relentlessly.
Why this pursuit? The Spirit is after Christ’s bride. She must be clean, spotless, without wrinkles. We might despair and say, it’s not possible. Remember the thief on the cross. He is welcomed into Paradise. It can take a lifetime to be truly clean. We want to bypass the work of the cross. We all want to avoid pain. We must each know Him for ourselves. No other way can be found. He is a personal savior, and He is the savior of His body. He is the preeminent Bridegroom. He, by the Spirit is perfecting us together. May we submit to Him and one another along the way.
He has provided one way to be perfected, to mature. Beholding Him we are changed. We do learn some things through counseling and wisdom through others. Ultimately the only change comes in the secret place, shut in and seeing Him, the One who is seated on the mercy seat. It will expose our weakness and any dark corner in our hearts. Daniel saw Him in His glory. His life was committed to the Living God so that he was ready for the vision he had. He wrote that no strength remained in him and he repeated that thought. The Spirit made it clear that Daniel was emptied. Daniel wrote his goodness was turned into corruption and he was in a deep sleep on his face. It took a touch from God and a moment of trembling to restore Daniel. The call remains to seek His face. That call is repeated throughout the Bible. He alone is worthy of our attention. He is glorious. He alone sits far above all rule and authority. He is worthy of our lives. And His perfect love casts out fear.