WEEK 4 - REAWAKENING TO THE CHURCH OF CHRIST
The Church was purchased by Christ, initiated by Christ, and is under the ownership and leadership of Christ. He is in the position to tell us the purpose and function of the Church, and we are to submit to His ownership and headship. Think about Jesus’ intent for the Church and how we are to live into that intent. Pray for an open heart.
DAY TWENTY TWO - THE CHURCH WITH CHRIST AS ITS HEAD - PANG FOUA RHODES
Ephesians 1:22
22 And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church,
Christ as the Head of the Church is not so much about the Church’s subordinate position as it is about Christ’s supremacy in everything, including the Church. A focus on a church’s duty to submit emphasizes what we are doing, but a focus on Christ’s supremacy fixes our eyes on who leads the Church.
Paul reminds the Ephesians that Christ is seated at God’s right hand “in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet . . . ” (Eph. 1:20–22). It is this high and exalted Christ whom God has appointed to be Head of the Church.
The Church with Christ as its Head does not need to worry about political upheaval, eco- nomic downturns, or crumbling religiosity. There is absolutely no need for mudslinging, handwringing, or doomsday-ing when we know “his incomparably great power for us who believe” (Eph. 1:19). No matter how dire or disastrous things may appear for the Church, we do not need to be riled up with anger or overwhelmed with despair because we know that with the high and exalted Christ as its Head, the Church will prevail.
In our current times of scandals, sociopolitical schisms, and declining church attendance, let us fix our eyes once again on Christ, the Head of the Church, who is seated at God’s right hand.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Turn your gaze upon the high and exalted Christ, worshiping Him in His supremacy and thanking Him for His leadership of the universal Church and your local church.
2. Confess any anxieties you may have about the Church’s position in society, power in politics, or reputation in the world.
3. Ask God to open the eyes of your heart so that you will know His incomparably great power for us who believe.