Christ Coronated

By Ed Wittlif

"So that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" (Philippians 2:10-11 NASB).
"Therefore let all the house of Israel know for certain that God has made Him both Lord and Christ ─
 this Jesus whom you crucified" (Acts 2:36). Jesus is Lord of lords and King of kings (Revelation 19:16).
     These days people prefer to think of Jesus as their older brother. While that is true according to Hebrews chapter two, He is more. Jesus declares in Matthew 28:18 that God has given to Him all authority in heaven and earth. Jesus has total authority in the spiritual realm and the physical realm.
     Our problem is that we may know that fact intellectually, but do we understand the ramifications it has in our lives? Paul clearly understood Jesus' authority. Because of Christ's sacrifice for him, Paul surrendered unconditionally to Christ Jesus. Paul's life now was Christ's life (Galatians 2:20 and Philippians 1:21).
     We must accept Christ Jesus' full authority over us. "But sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts" (I Peter 3:15a). Christ must be the directing and ruling authority over each one of us. We need to get up off the throne and let Jesus take His rightful place.
     Jesus will not force His way in. "Behold, I stand at the door and knock" (Revelation 3:20a). This was said to the church in Laodicea, not unbelievers. Jesus has a twofold right to set on the throne of our hearts. He is our Creator and He is our Redeemer.
     Have you crowned Jesus King?

- Ed Wittlif is from Denver, CO; via the Church of Christ in Justin, TX. Joe Slater serves as minister and he may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://justinchurchofchrist.com