“The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in Him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. And He is the head of the body, the church; He is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything He might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in Him, and through Him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.” Colossians 1:15-20 (NIV)
I have found that there are two groups of people when it comes to that E on our car’s gas gauge. For some, that E stands for Empty and it means that you will put first the action of filling up your car with gasoline. For others, that E stands for Exciting. How far can I go? How long can I drive before I need to get gas? What else can I do before I have to fill up?
Paul wrote a letter to the church in Colossae. The theme of the letter was: We need to start with Jesus and putting Him first. Colossae was a city in the Roman Empire–which meant it was filled with all sorts of Temples and Shrines to all sorts of gods–and the general thought was: Find the God that works for you. Feel free to sample the smorgasbord of gods and put together a combo that works for you. In Colossians Paul has a clear message: Put Jesus First.
Who Is Jesus?
“The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.” Colossians 1:15 (NIV). Jesus is not just the image of God. Jesus is the fulness and manifestation of the invisible God. All the fullness of God is in Jesus.
“For in Him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through Him and for Him.” Colossians 1:16 (NIV). Jesus is the Creator. Jesus created all things before anything was created.
“He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.” Colossians 1:17 (NIV). Jesus is the Sustainer. Jesus was before all things.
“And He is the Head of the Body, the Church; He is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.” Colossians 1:18 (NIV). Jesus is the Head of the Church. He is first in everything. Jesus is not so much on our list of priorities. He is the page on which all other priorities are written. He is in a class by Himself. He must be First.
“For God was pleased to have all His fullness dwell in Him, and through Him to reconcile to Himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through His blood, shed on the cross.” Colossians 1:19-20 (NIV). Jesus is God. Jesus is all you need.
What Gets Your Best and First?
“And He is the Head of the Body, the Church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent.” Colossians 1:18 (ESV)
We have to decide if Jesus and his mission will be first. Will we trust God in faith and go forward? Will we do whatever it takes to follow Jesus?
Jesus should be the one you love the most, more than anything. What He wants is to be the first consideration in all. If He is first place in our priorities, His agenda will rule our lives, If Jesus is first then He will get the best of your time. Who gets or what gets the first and best of your treasure?
The bottom line is this: Jesus does not deserve your leftovers. He deserves first place and everything.I don't know how you feel about leftovers, but I think if at a restaurant they said to you: We’re glad you ordered that fish because we had some of that leftover yesterday some now it won't go to waste. I don't think you'll be that thrilled. Personally I'm not that big of a fan of leftovers even if I cook them. Scripture calls us to give to Jesus what is your first and best.
“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:33 (NIV). Jesus said give Him all that is first and best, and all the rest He will give to you. Jesus doesn't want your money, your time or your talents. He wants a whole lot more! He wants everything. Is Jesus your King? Is Jesus your Lord? Is Jesus first?
