Thursday, May 10, 2018
Ephesians 1:20-22 God worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church.
THE ASCENDED JESUS HEADS UP THE CHURCH
Alexander the Great is credited with the following quote concerning leadership: "I am not afraid of an army of lions led by a sheep; I am afraid of an army of sheep led by a lion." Whether it be in the sphere of work, school, sports, or the home, anyone who has had the pleasure of following a truly good leader understands the meaning of the Alexander's words. Inspiring, directional leadership is absolutely vital to accomplishing any kind of group work.
When God the Father raised Christ from the dead, He placed him at His right hand--the place of absolute power and dominion from whence he is able to lead His Church with truly inspiring and directional leadership. The ascended Jesus heads up the church. The Lion of Judah is leading us, His beloved flock of sheep.
Imagine what would happen if we the sheep were left to shepherd ourselves without Christ's preserving leadership. We would fall to every temptation and every false teaching that we encounter. The true-teaching Church would have never made it out of the first century!
Instead, Jesus told his disciples, "I will build MY Church" (Matthew 16:18, emphasis added); it belongs to him-- we belong to Him! In Word and Sacrament, Jesus feeds His Church with the message of the Gospel, Him crucified on our behalf. Through His appointed under-shepherds, called pastors and teachers, Jesus provides earthly leaders who follow Him and proclaim his teaching and practices. From His ascended position at the throne of God, Christ continues working for His sheep by leading us with the strength of a spiritual lion. Only He has the power and love to lead the Church and we wouldn't have it any other way!
Jesus, lead Thou on, Till our rest is won;
And although the way be cheerless,
We will follow calm and fearless.
Guide us by Thy hand, To our fatherland.
(The Lutheran Hymnal, 410:1)
