So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.
Colossians 2:6-7
Confessing the Lordship of Christ is one of the joys and privileges of our faith. Indeed, there is no other way to receive and accept Jesus but as Lord. Recognising his total, complete, absolute ownership and management of our life is the foundation of true faith. This then continues to develop, deepen, and consolidate as we grow and mature as believers with gratitude and appreciation for all he has done for us. In the context of Colossians 1:15-23 we see the scope, supremacy and sufficiency of Christ’s sovereign Lordship as Paul focuses on the person and work of Jesus. He is…
- Lord of Revelation. In Christ, the invisible God is revealed and fully disclosed. The unseen God is completely made known in Jesus. “The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being…” (Hebrews 1:3). Jesus told his disciples “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father” (John 14:9).
- Lord of Creation. As God’s word he was the agent of all things created in heaven and on earth. Every microcosm, macrocosm and each particle of all things seen and unseen is a direct result of Jesus’ creative and sustaining power. All the beauty we see around us in nature and every aspect of creation in its sounds and smells cries out “Jesus is Lord.”
- Lord of History. The rise and fall of “thrones or powers or rulers or authorities…” are subject to the sovereign control of our Lord and King. Every development of civilisations, their kingdoms and tribes are limited by the will of God’s Son. History is His story and the unfolding tale of emperors, kings and queens, presidents and prime ministers play a fleeting part as they relate to his supreme rule and command. It is his providence that guides, superintends, and supervises all cosmic powers, events of families, communities, nations, and all international movement. Therefore, history is no accident or chaos of chance but a flow of purpose and meaning that culminates in Christ. Our personal story is written by him and for him.
- Lord of All reality. He is eternal and everlasting so “before all things” and the whole sphere of reality is safely and securely held together by His mighty hands. The meaning and purpose of all things is to glorify and honour the One who “holds it all together right up to this moment” (1:17). The former theologian and Prime Minister of the Netherlands Abraham Kuyper was glad to affirm – “There is not a square inch in the whole domain of our human existence over which Christ, who is Sovereign over all, does not cry, Mine!” Our learning, leisure, science, literature, music, and all other human disciplines are to have “As unto the Lord” stamped on them.
- Lord of the Church. The body of Christ is ruled by our reigning monarch. Every member, every event, every gathering, all leaders, both sacraments, our evangelism and mission are all under His loving lordship. A new community with Jesus as preeminent, supreme leader caring, directing, and providing all we need as well as gifting and equipping his body for works of service and ministry.
- Lord of Life. By his victorious resurrection over death he is the first born of many brothers and sisters. We share the triumph of his conquering life now in the gift of eternal life and as we look forward in hope to everlasting life.
- Lord of Reconciliation. By the glory of his physical suffering and sacrifice “by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross” (1:20) we are brought from a state of alienation to nearness, harmony, and unity with the Lord. Rescued, redeemed, and forgiven (vs 13-14).
All these wonderful aspects of Christ’s lordship are the foundation by which we live our Christian lives, deepen our faith as well as live for. Being joined and united to our living Lord means we have the resources of his strength. It is staggering to be told in 2:10 that “in Christ you have been brought to fulness.” May we overflow with lives full of thankfulness as we confess Jesus as “my Lord and my God” (John 20:28).
Meirion Thomas, Malpas Road Evangelical Church