Alan Fong
3 min read
Alan Fong
3 min read
Alan Fong
3 min read
Who's First?
Today’s Verse:
And his brethren said to him, Shalt thou indeed reign over us? or shalt thou indeed have dominion over us? And they hated him yet the more for his dreams, and for his words. ~Genesis 37:8
As children, many of us wanted to be at the front of the line. As soon as the teacher cried out, “Who’s first?” there would be a mad scramble to be in first place. Joseph had an incredible dream that depicted his brothers bowing down to him. He did not know when or how this would happen. However, the dream was very clear, and Joseph conveyed this dream to his brothers. Their reaction was hostile. They scornfully asked, “Shalt thou indeed reign over us?” In other words, “Do you think you have first place over us? Will you be our lord?” There is a powerful application to this question. The question we should be asking today is, “Is Jesus Christ first in my life?”
There is the right to Lordship.
Jesus Christ is Lord! He has the first right and claim in anything and over everything. He is Lord of Heaven and the Lord of earth. He is Lord over all creation. He sits in Heaven at the right hand of the Father. The Lord Jesus has all power in Heaven and earth. The Lord Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever. The Lord Jesus is first and does not share His glory with anyone. His name is above all other names. His name is exalted. "From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the LORD'S name is to be praised." Every knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. A day is coming when all will confess that Jesus is Lord.
There is the rivalry to Lordship.
There is conflict in many people’s hearts, even Christians' hearts, about Jesus being Lord of their lives. Joseph’s brother’s asked, “Shalt thou indeed reign over us?” People have a fear about Lordship. They fear that it will cost them. People have an aversion to Lordship. They do not want Jesus as Lord. They do not want to say, “Yes, Lord.” People have a resistance to Lordship. Allowing Jesus to be Lord is an intrusion in their life. They want final and total say for their life. Like Joseph’s brothers, some people question the Lordship of Jesus and have a problem with Jesus being Lord in their life.
There is the resignation to Lordship.
Jesus asked the multitudes who came to hear Him preach a convicting question: “And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?” Lordship requires obedience and submission. Unless Jesus Christ is Lord over everything, He is not Lord at all. Ultimately, the struggles of our heart must come to the place where Jesus alone is Lord. We must come to the place like the Apostle Paul did after getting knocked off his horse, when he looked up and said, “Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?” That’s resignation! That’s letting go of our refusal, reluctance, and rebellion and giving Him full control. Allowing Jesus to be Lord over everything in our life is like giving Him our car and the keys and allowing Him to sit in the driver’s seat. There must be a resignation.
Who’s first? The question should not be, “Shalt thou indeed reign over us?” The question should be, “Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?” Make the decision today to allow the Lord Jesus to be Lord of all.
Have a submission-filled God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Leviticus 1-4
Comments