January 25, 2004

THE HEAD OF THE CHURCH

"He is the head of the body, the church... so that in everything he might have the supremacy" (Colossians 1:18, NIV).

Today's portrait of Jesus is taken from the world of human anatomy. The head is the control center of the whole body. It is to the body what the microprocessor is to the computer. The head controls, monitors, directs, and regulates all bodily activities and functions. Without the head, life and its activities would cease.

The head is a favorite metaphor of the apostle Paul for portraying Christ. Repeatedly, he uses this figure to emphasize Christ's headship over creation (see Colossians 1:15, 16), the human race (see 1 Corinthians 11:3), principalities and powers (see Colossians 2:10), and all things (see Colossians 1:16). As head of all things, Christ is also the indispensable head of the church (see Ephesians 1:22; 5:23; Colossians 1:18-22).

The meaning of Christ's headship of the church is twofold. First, as head of the church, He is supreme and preeminent in authority. Because He is the authoritative head, all plans, meetings, actions, and decisions of the church body are subject to Christ's authority.

The second implication of headship is organic union. As head of the church, Christ is the supreme and preeminent authority of the church. The church as a spiritual organism is inseparably one with its organic head. It is through Christ, the head, that the church is preserved as a single indivisible universal body. Everything the church body does is subject to and totally dependent on Christ, the head. In Him, the body remains united in faith, mission, message, and purpose. This organic union also promotes spiritual growth. "The Lord Jesus is the one spiritual Head, and we are the members of his body. The church is represented as growing up 'into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ.' "--Review and Herald, March 19, 1895.

My Prayer Today: Lord, as the head of the church, help me to live in union with You always. Amen!