Jonathan Munson, Executive Director, RFTH
“For in Him all things were created…whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through Him and for Him.”
Colossians 1:16
Every generation has its songs of rebellion.
Growing up in the 80s, Twisted Sister’s “We’re Not Gonna Take It” and the Beastie Boys’ “We’ve Gotta Fight” were my anti-authority anthems.
Now that I’m older and no longer wear parachute pants, my 80’s soundtrack has faded away.
Nevertheless, a song of rebellion still plays in a small part of my heart.
However, this song’s central message isn’t about rebelling against the powers that be- parents, teachers, the government, etc. No, this song is protesting the authority of Jesus. Even devoted Jesus followers rebel against His authority from time to time.
I imagine there’s a similar song playing in a somewhere in your heart too.
That’s why it’s good for us to frequently read passages like, Colossians 1:15-20.
The passage confronts our songs of rebellion with an entirely different song, a song exalting the supreme authority of Jesus. Take a moment to read the passage and soak up every phrase. What sticks out to you?
Here’s what I see:
Jesus is the eternal, pre-eminent One. He is the image of the one true God, the Creator and Sustainer of the universe. He is the sovereign King of kings, the Lord of Lords, and the Leader of leaders. Nothing happens unless He wills it to happen. As the firstborn from among the dead, He is the living, reigning Head of the Church. Basically, Jesus doesn’t just have some authority. He has TOTAL authority.
It’s tempting to read a passage like this and say, “I agree. I believe Jesus has all authority,” without considering the practical implications for our lives. But the goal isn’t to simply recognize Jesus’ authority; the goal is to willingly surrender to it.
You see, we don’t mind if Jesus exercises His authority over creation. We’re fine if He’s ‘out there somewhere,’ ruling and reigning the cosmos. The problem comes when Jesus wants to rule and reign over us. Then, His authority becomes personal. It starts to interfere with our agenda, especially if He asks us to do something we don’t want to do or go where we don’t want to go. In these moments, we must make a choice:
Will we yield to Christ’s authority?
-OR-
Will we rebel against it?
In a culture that exalts individual autonomy, it is challenging to make the right decision. The mantra of our day is, ‘You do you.’ In other words, do what you want to do. Do whatever feels right to you. Don’t let anyone tell you what you should or shouldn’t be doing. You’re in charge of your life.
Need I remind you that this mantra is completely incompatible with biblical Christianity?
If you’re a Christian, Jesus isn’t your life coach who you come to for advice on how to live your life. No! Having been born of the Spirit, you’ve confessed, “Jesus is Lord” (1 Corinthians 12:3). As such, you’ve given up your authority and surrendered to His authority. You are no longer in charge of your life; He is. He gets to ‘call the shots’ in – your actions, your attitude, your career, your emotions, your family, your friendships, your finances, what you look at on your phone, etc.
Writing these words is convicting, for we all have gaps between what we believe about Jesus’ authority and how we behave.
We all have authority issues.
As you identify areas that are not under Jesus’ rule, remember that the Sovereign Lord of all creation shed His blood on the cross to present you “holy in His sight, without blemish and free from accusation” (Colossians 1:20-22).
So, bow your heart. Bend your knee. And turn down the volume of the rebellious song within you.
Profess that Jesus is your Lord and commit to live under His authority once again.
DIG DEEPER
Read “What is the Meaning of Exousia in the Bible?” at GotQuestions.org
