Nougat 1

How competitive are you? And do you know when there’s no point in competing? Consider today’s Holy Nougat

“God has put all things under the authority of Christ and has made him head over all things for the benefit of the church. And the church is his body; it is made full and complete by Christ, who fills all things everywhere with himself.” ‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭1:22-23‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Some might wonder where’s the competition, but I say that’s the point. There. Is. No. Competition. Regarding. Christ’s. Lordship. None!

Despite the lies we buy into from the enemy of our souls, the ultimate authority is Christ’s (see Matthew 28:18). And while we are accorded some power, some isn’t all – we are not solely in charge of our destiny. Especially when we are among those who recognize Christ as God.

Now if Jesus Christ has the ultimate power and this is for the church’s benefit; a) why do we act as though we’re all fighting for crumbs b) where does that place the Jews?

Scarce benefits

In Acts 1; Jesus is presented with His disciples for one last chat. As usual, their focus was a little off (kinda like many of us from time to time), but Jesus reined them in. Ironically, what he offered them was more weighty than expected, yet what many had desired. Verse 8 indicates that they would receive the Spirit’s power so that they could be witnesses to the Truth of Jesus’ Lordship over all. Similar to Matthew 28, but slightly expanded take.

Ironically, at this point neither James, nor John were making demands to be in the lead. And Peter, known for his pushiness and slight competitive streak, was not arguing about how the power would be apportioned. Maybe they were traumatized by Jesus’ ascension and the reality of daily life, but their efforts were not taken up with competing for God’s glory.

As Creator of all, God has provided enough for us all; on earth and more so, of things in the heavenly realm. Jesus, Who now is responsible for all, and through Whom non-Jews have access to all heavenly gifts, has made us full and complete – all we need is in Him – no need to fear, fight, or disparage others in the faith.

Room for Jews?

So if Jesus Christ is the ultimate authority and the Church is his body, where does that leave the Jews? I think we should remember that the Jews were God’s chosen long before us believers were brought in the picture through Jesus’ blood. And though we are the body of Christ, Christ is still over all.

That was part of the concern expressed by the disciples in Acts 1. And Jesus’ response was fairly clear – not your concern. That says to me that we continue praying for the Jews as we would for all people around the world. We should not presume to have a superior purpose than them; for that’s not ours to determine.

You see, the issue of competition becomes more and more evident in comparisons, assumptions of superiority or inferiority and distinctions about who deserves access to God’s grace and forgiveness. But that’s not our assignment. Our assignment as Christ’s body is to follow the lead of our head, Who directs us according to our gifts, abilities and open-ness to God’s Spirit.

We are called to bear witness to the Truth; not to determine a verdict. No judgement. No competition.

Amen

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May all we seek be found in Christ