Colossians 1:18 (KJV) “And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.”
Our Scriptural text today is part of Apostle Paul’s letter to the Colossians to confront teachings that diminished Christ by elevating angels, philosophy, legalism, or mysticism. Apostle declares that Christ Jesus is the head of the Church. The Church is not an organization run by human wisdom, but a living body governed by Christ. No pastor, denomination, tradition, or structure replaces Christ’s headship (Eph. 1:22–23). Christ is not an addition to the Church; He is its foundation (1 Cor. 3:11).
Now, because of who Christ Jesus is – the Creator of all things, and the Sustainer of all things – He must have the preeminence. Preeminence means first place, highest rank, unrivalled supremacy. Christ is not content with “prominence”; He demands preeminence. Prominence means Christ is important, visible, acknowledged, respected, spoken about, prayed to, but not enthroned. Preeminence implies Christ is first, supreme, unrivalled. Every other thing takes its meaning, value, and position from Him. Prominence says: “Lord, bless what I’m doing.” Preeminence says: “Lord, command what I should do.” Christ is not one priority among many; He is the priority that orders all others. Christ will not compete for first place. Preeminence is not about how loudly Christ is proclaimed, but how fully He is obeyed. Does Jesus have the preeminence in your life?
Written by: Andrew A. Esemudje