This glorious person is the soul of the Bible, the center of the whole spiritual system, the attraction for all nations, the ruler, not only among the saints on earth, but also the armies of heaven. God gave Him honor and glory, the apostle says, when He proclaimed Him His Son in the holy mountain.
He walks at the head of the army of God, the true Israel, and among the inhabitants of the earth, proclaiming with all authority both in heaven and on earth: “I am the way, the truth and the life; no man cometh to the Father but by me,” “I am the resurrection and the Life”—“I am he who was dead and am alive, and behold I live forever and ever”—“I have the keys of hell and of death; I can open, and no man can shut; I can shut, and no man can open”—“I am the bright and the morning star, the root and the offspring of David”—“I, if I be lifted up, will draw all men to me.” “If any man would be my disciple, let him take up his cross and follow me.”
Such are a few of the many expressions setting forth the exalted position of the Christians’ King and the Christians’ Lord. When He was crowned in heaven, crowned Lord of all, the Almighty Father swore that He should reign till all His enemies should be put under His feet—that to Him every knee should bow, and every tongue should confess. Lift up your hearts, all you saints, and behold your King! He is the head of the church. Set your affections on Him, follow Him, and consecrate yourselves to Him forever more.—Ben Franklin (19th-century gospel preacher)
“in all things he might have the preeminence” Colossians 1:18
