A long day . . .

We were up early today, long before the sun. My hubby had to be at the hospital for day surgery. We were hungry most of the day, but the surgery went well. We were just there much longer than we expected and for crazy reasons too long and complex to explain.

We didn’t feel anxious or stressed. The Lord gave us much to calm our hearts in today’s devotional. It is all about the lordship of Jesus Christ, with many Bible verses to remind us of His preeminence. He always keeps me in perfect peace when my mind is focused on Him (Isaiah 26:3).

Christ is preeminent in the revelation of God. He is the Lord who reveals the Father to whomever He will. All that we know of God is seen in Christ who is the brightness of the Father’s glory and the express image of His Person:

“All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.” (Matthew 11:27)

“No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father’s side, he (Jesus) has made him known.” (John 1:18)

Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)

“He (Jesus) is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high. (Hebrews 1:3)

And that verse leads to the next thought, that Christ is preeminent in salvation.

“I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture.” (John 10:9)

“For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father.” (Ephesians 2:18)

“Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.” (Hebrews 7:25)

“And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption.” (1 Corinthians 1:30)

Christ is also preeminent in the church for “He is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent.” (Colossians 1:18)

“You yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 2:5)

As today’s devotional writer says, when this world is folded up and when time shall be no more, Christ will remain preeminent. The Judge who will sit upon the great white throne in that day will be none other than the God-man, Christ Jesus our Lord because in ALL things, He has the preeminence.

“For as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so also the Son gives life to whom he will. For the Father judges no one, but has given all judgment to the Son.” (John 5:21–22)

Because Jesus is Lord of all, and because He gave His life to rescue me from sin and death, I can trust Him for all things, large or small, global or personal, horrific or joyful.

^^^^^^^^

Jesus, You have the whole world in Your hands, and You have this day in Your hands. I’m so glad that I can trust You with everything.

LATER: Surgery went well. A few other things didn’t, but God’s plan is perfect and nothing happens without His reasons for it. We are home and glad again for God’s care!