Preeminence

He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, 14 in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins. 15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. 17 And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. 18 And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence. Col 1:13-18 (NKJV)

Preeminence is not a word that we commonly use. (Just think about it--how would you use "preeminence" and McDonald's in the same sentence?) Preeminence can be defined as: Something that stands out from among the rest--Number One--Something of great importance--The highest. The Apostle Paul tells us that Jesus is the image of the invisible God and that He has preeminence over all of creation.

As we walk and sometimes stumble through life, we often forget who is standing with us. Life seems hard and cruel--circumstances seem to work against us--times seem to be growing more evil and dark; and we are filled with the unwanted feelings of fear, worry, stress and despair. Time to remind you that the One who lives in you is preeminent over all things--even the worst of what life is firing at you. There simply is no greater power in this universe than the power of our Lord!

God has delivered us from the power of darkness and has conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son. What does this mean? It means that, "No weapon formed against you will prosper." It means that even when, "You walk through the valley of the shadow of death, there will be no reason to fear evil." It means that, "The one living in you is greater than all the forces that are arrayed against you." Jesus Christ is the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords--He has been given a name above all other names--and He has preeminence over all that is and is the substance of the things that we hope for.

Prayer: "Dear heavenly Father, You do all things well! You have proven to be worthy of my trust. You have been the source of my hope. You have been consistent in forgiving me and restoring even though I have been unfaithful. I take great comfort in two facts: Your love is greater than my sin, and Your power is greater than the power of my enemy. Blessed be the name of the Lord! Amen"