Tuesday, September 26
First in all things
Scripture: Colossians 1
Colossians 1:18 He is the head of the body, the church, as well as the beginning, the firstborn from among the dead, so that he himself may become first in all things.
Observation
Many scholars believe that 1:15-20 are a poem or hymn about Jesus that would be memorable and so memorized. (I’m going to memorize this passage.) In it, Paul sings the praise and eminence of Jesus. Every line, every stanza is about Him: “He is…by Him, through Him, for Him…He is…” followed by the highest and broadest descriptions.
I love this one: “He Himself may become first in all things.” Or “that in everything He might be preeminent.” (ESV) Or “that in everything He might have the supremacy.” (NIV) Or “so in all things Jesus has first place.” (NCV)
Paul had such an elevated view of Jesus—as expressed in this whole passage, and in particular in this one phrase: that Jesus is first in all things.
Application
I want to live with that same elevated view of Jesus, and I want Him to be first in all things in my life. First in my affection, first in my devotion, first in my time, first in my money, first in my thoughts, first in my actions. First in everything.
Last night, I was interviewed about my relationship with my my pastor, Roy Hicks Jr. It was a wonderful trip down memory lane. I reflected that the two most influential men in my life and ministry have been Roy and Noel, each for different reasons. They were and are gifts from God to me.
This morning as I reflected on that interview, I thought that while I made heroes of Roy and Noel (deservedly), I also tend to make myself the hero of my stories. Perhaps that’s why this phrase from 1:18 stood out to me. Jesus is the hero of my story. He is first in all things, including in my story. All that I am—all the good—I owe to Him and His work in my life.
Today, I want to memorize this passage, and then in everything, give Jesus first place. The preeminence. The supremacy. First in all things.
Prayer: Lord, I love You. You have first place in all things—help me today to live that way, giving You Your rightful place in my life: first in all things.
More: Isaiah 51-52, Matthew 8