Daily EncouragementSample

This is a foundational statement if ever there was one. It is supported on every hand. Consider the witness of the Father - “This is my Son . . . Listen to him!” (Matt. 17:5); the word of the Forerunner - “Look the Lamb of God” (John 1:29); the testimony of Scripture - “the Scriptures . . . testify about me” (John 5:39); the message of the gospel - “the gospel . . . regarding his Son” (Rom. 1:2-3); the music of heaven - “Worthy is the Lamb” (Rev. 5:11-12). In every aspect of his life and service the Christian must place the supreme emphasis upon the foundation, the Lord Jesus himself.

There are other emphases which can note with thanksgiving. Consider the emphases in recent times upon the Church and its body-life, upon the Holy Spirit and his gifts, upon the teaching of the Reformers and the Puritans. We can benefit from such emphases, but we elevate them to foundational status at our peril.

These and similar emphases find their rightful place when they are subservient to our Lord himself. “Christ is the head of the church” (Eph. 5:23); the ministry of the Spirit is to glorify him, (John 16:14). As for men, “All things are yours, whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas . . . and you are of Christ, and Christ is of God” (1 Cor. 3:21-23). “All things” belong to you, not you to them!