He is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.
Colossian 1.18
In a world where there seems to be increasing chaos in both the secular and spiritual realms it should be a great encouragement to us to be reminded that Jesus is the head of the body, the church.
Sadly the situation we see in the church, particularly in the west often gives little evidence that this is the case. Almost any mention of the church (implying the Christian church) in the media where online or other comments are open, produces a string of ridicule and often abusive comments which must grieve the hearts of those who acknowledge Jesus as Lord.
If Jesus is head of the body, and he is, why is this so?
I suggest the answer is contained in the second part of our verse for today. He is the firstborn from among the dead and consequently he is supreme, two truths which are rejected by the majority.
The resurrection is laughed out of court by secular man and the idea of Jesus having the supremacy, is anathema to him. (Man here being used in its generic sense!). Both ideas are rejected, more often than not, without examining the evidence. In scriptural terms the evil one has blinded their eyes:
The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 2 Corinthians 4.4
In spite of that, if the light were to shine more brightly; if those who belong to churches were to be more Christ-like; if those who are seen as senior leaders in churches were to be bold to proclaim the Jesus that Paul speaks of here in Colossians then that blindness might begin to fade.
G K Chesterton once wrote ‘
“The Christian ideal has not been tried and found wanting. It has been found difficult; and left untried.”
and he is right. Following Christ is demanding. It involves suffering and hardship. It involves taking up the cross daily but if he has the supremacy is there really any option?
In the light of Jesus’ resurrection and supremacy our task is to live openly and boldly for him before the world. And we can do so with complete confidence that we will not be ashamed, for as Paul reminds the Christians in Ephesus (Chapter 1 v. 9-10):
He (God) made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfilment – to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ.
With such a promise and such a future let us no loose heart!