The Preeminent One By Him all things were created ... that in all things He may have the preeminence. Colossians 1:16-18 Recommended Reading Colossians 1:15-18 Recently the website Wikipedia released a report based on its research and analysis listing the ten most influential people in human history. Who tops the list? Its Jesus Christ, of course; followed by Napoleon Bonaparte, William Shakespeare, Muhammad, Abraham Lincoln, George Washington, Adolf Hitler, Aristotle, Alexander the Great, and Thomas Jefferson. Its undoubtedly true that Jesus of Nazareth is the most influential person who ever lived. But heres whats wrong with the list. The Lord Jesus Christ is in a class all by Himself; there are no competitors, no rivals; He is unique. He is Lord of all. He is King of kings, Lord of lords, the image of the invisible God. He is Alpha and Omega, the First and the Last, the Preeminent One. Thats wonderful to contemplate. Wed be in sad shape if we had to worship Napoleon or some other name on that list. We dont pray to Shakespeare. We may admire Washington and Lincoln, but they cant give abundant life. There is only one Jesus, and He alone guides our steps, receives our worship, and gives us everlasting hope. He alone is preeminent. He is preeminent in creation because He is the Creator. He is preeminent in redemption for He is the Redeemer. He is preeminent in the church because He is the One who gave Himself for the church. J. Vernon McGee, in Thru the Bible: Colossians
Posted on: Thu, 24 Apr 2014 10:07:19 +0000