The Pre-Eminence of Christ (2)

Then it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God did not lead them by way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said, “Lest perhaps the people change their minds when they see war, and return to Egypt.” So God led the people around by way of the wilderness of the Red Sea. And the children of Israel went up in orderly ranks out of the land of Egypt- Exodus 13:17-18

In Exodus 13, the children of Israel went through a very long route against natural intelligence and rationality. Have you ever wondered if the children of Israel never questioned Moses if he was not misleading them? And just like God said, if they had gone through the shorter route, they would have met the enemies on the way and they would have either gone back to slavery or the enemy would have wiped them off. Do you also know the enemy is threatened by your success?

God wanted the best for the Israelites, yet they were angry with God, such that each time they were faced with any difficulty, they threatened to return to Egypt. It is safer not to make any comment but keep thanking God for what you do not understand about the issues of your life. The issues of your life may look as if there is a contour which makes your journey uneasy but as long as you are in the will of God, be rest assured that all will eventually turn for your good. Once you understand this, you will not murmur; rather, you will meditate and confess the Word. If only you can put your trust in God totally, your life will be better on the long run.

Twelve elders were sent to spy the land of Canaan but ten came with the report that the enemies were bigger than them and that they were just like grasshopper. It may not be wrong to say that the enemies were strong, but it is totally out of faith to claim they were like grasshoppers. Thank God for Caleb and Joshua who rather chose to see how big their God was, instead of focusing on how strong the enemies were.

When Apostle Paul said all things were created for Christ, it means that Christ dominates all, and that alone puts a limit to what the enemy can do. Even Job who faced so much in the hands of the devil, the devil could not go beyond God's permission. God says He created everything for Jesus so it means the devil has a boundary he cannot go beyond.

Jesus Christ is preeminent overall, and everything is created by Him and for Him. Because Christ is in you, all things are created by you and for you. And if all things are for you, then the devil has no place. Where God is not allowed to rule, He overrules. He is the deciding factor of all things, but He's not only in Heaven; He's in you also, so you are blessed of the Lord. Though Christ pre-eminently dwells in Heaven but spiritually, He is in you. This Christ in you is the hope of glory.

We are in a world of difficulties and panic; our political leaders no longer know what to do, yet people's hope is raised. But every believer should know that Jesus is the answer. Things may not be moving in the direction you expect but know that whatever God allows is certainly for your benefit. Never envy those who achieve their goals through crooked means.

The Israelites did not understand God's purpose for taking them through a longer route, no wonder they complained all the way! They did not know God meant well for them. Beloved, let your confidence in God be unshakeable; His plans for you is not of disaster but blessing. It is well with you in Jesus name, Amen