Incomparable Authority - Day 4

Great job hanging in there gals! Is anyone feeling some heavy burdens today? Anybody feeling like the world is resting on their shoulders? Well journey on then, and pick up some rest!...

His head of the finest Gold; His locks are wavy and black.

The head in Scripture often symbolizes the beginning, the lead, or the highest place of rank. Jesus says of Himself that He is the Alpha and the Omega; the first and the last. (Rev 1:11) There is no preeminence next to Christ. He is the head of all creation, first in rank and position to the Father. He is the light and life of all things; the general over the mighty heavenly host, and the High Priest over His people.

The Book of Hebrews tells us that this same Jesus – the King of kings, and Lord of lords, was made, for the duration of His humanity on earth, a little lower than the angels, but is now crowned with glory and honor, and is set over all of creation. Jesus, a partner of the three-fold God head and the giver of all life, bowed His royal head to live and to die for mankind. “Jesus Christ, who being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a slave, and coming in the likeness of man.” (Ph 2:6-7)

Not only did He humble Himself immeasurably to become a man, but He lowered Himself even further to become the Servant of man. Jesus said, “I have not come to be served, but to serve, and to give My life.” And, “I am among you as the One who serves.” (Lk 22:27) The Book of John tells us that, Jesus, “knowing from where He came, and where He was going, disrobed, stooped down and washed His disciple’s feet.” He was able to do the lowliest of tasks, yet also boldly speak to the most powerful of authorities, all because He knew who He was, whose He was, and where He was going. He was never ashamed and never shrunk back, but embodied confidence and conviction, as one who heads into battle with assurance of victory. And God the Father has exalted Him above all others. All things have now been put in subjection under his feet, and He reigns as Judge and Master of all.

His head of finest gold, portrays His complete innocence. Can you imagine what it must be like to never feel ashamed or remorseful because of something you have done? Jesus never felt any shame or guilt because He never had any reason to. He was incorruptible, triumphing faultlessly over all the temptations Satan could lay across His path. While He walked among us on earth, the Beloved held His majestic head high, not in pride, but in righteousness, wisdom, and blamelessness. Though He was saddened by the sin and suffering of man, He knew that He was the Answer and the Redeemer for the whole world, and that He would lead us into victory. “Thanks be to God, who always gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!” (1 Cor 15:57)

At His resurrection, the Father put all things under Jesus’ feet and made Him the head over all things, Ephesians one tells us. Hebrews also says that truly Christ is the head over all, though we do not see Him as such now. How creation longs to see His gold laden brow enthroned upon this earth. It, with all the saints, yet still groans in their labor and pain waiting for the promise of His return. Even though the Bible says Jesus now reigns, our eyes see another still cruelly ruling this realm.

Yes, sadly Satan is still the prince of our world today. Our eyes see all the carnage of his hateful plan at work all around us, in our lives and those of our loved ones. Dissensions, hatred, rage and selfishness seem to permeate and define our world today. But we are not without hope. Soon that glorious day will dawn when we will see Him enthroned, wearing a crown of purest gold, ruling and reigning over all that is in heaven and earth! Take comfort, weary Christian. For, in that day, every knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess that He is God! (Rom 14:11)

But while we wait, we can be about our Kings business. Upon His resurrection, He became the “Head of the church which is His body.” (Eph 1:22) Today, He leads the church, a global body of believers, by the power of the Holy Spirit and by the truth of His Word. We were not left as orphans when He ascended to the Father. But as a good leader, He provided the great comfort and might of His Spirit. (Jn 16)

How do we know that He is at work still today? And how do we know that His power is not diminished? Because that golden crown sits upon a head of hair which the Shulamite describes as black and wavy! “Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever,” Hebrews 13:8 says. He never grows old and grey haired. His vitality never decreases. His consistency, strength and youthful vigor never change. All of these qualities are embodied in the Person and Power of the Holy Spirit which dwells in and upon His believers. Jesus is the head of the church, and we are the arms, legs, mouth, and eyes. We, by His awesome, unlimited, unchanging power, can join in the work, as John the Baptist and the great prophet Isaiah did, of preparing a straight path for the King. “I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God.” (Is 40:3)

Is anyone living in a spiritual wilderness or desert today besides me? Aren’t there dry, thirsty souls all around you? Aren’t there people in your life who are confused and lost, who need the straight, simple path revealed? In eternity, the Word says that we will be ruling and reigning with Christ. Why not start practicing now? This is His kingdom, even though another may hold a permit for temporary occupancy. We are not hopeless, and certainly not helpless. Ask for the filling of the Holy Spirit to enable you to help prepare this world for the return of our King! Remained joined to the Head, and allow Him to live through you in His physical absence. And when you see that glorious, golden crowned Head appear, you will see that you have some crowns of your own to cast at His feet. “And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.” (1 Pet 5:4)

Questions:
1) Is there something or someone in your life whose hold over you seems so overpowering?
2) Are you feeling overwhelmed because of the need to control all things in your life?
3) If yes, then bring these cares and heavy burdens into subjection to the ultimate authority of Jesus Christ, and enjoy some rest and freedom.