June 16

The Head of the body, the church.—Colossians 1:18.

THE church of the Redeemer, is beautifully likened to the human body. Like the human body, it is composed of various parts, and members. Some of these resemble the hands, others the feet, all of which united, make one compact body. Of this body, Jesus is the head. He is the head exclusively. Angels may minister to it, and highly gifted and holy men may have official stations, but there is but one head, that is Christ. The pope therefore may be the head of the church of Rome, but not of the church of Jesus. Kings, and Ecclesiastical powers, may form the headship of Religious Communities, but Jesus only, is the Head of his body, the church. "One is your Master, even Christ," and all ye are brethren. As the Head, Christ is the only source of vitality. From him, existence and energy are diffused through the whole system. There may be life, without some of the inferior members, but separation from the head, is immediate death. Thus we have life from, and by Christ. Out of him we are dead, in him we are new born creatures, and alive from the dead. As the Head, Christ is the source of knowledge and wisdom. The head thinks, and devises, and plans for the body. The head is the seat of understanding and judgment. Thus Jesus is made unto his people, wisdom, as well as sanctification and redemption. In Christ dwells all the fulness of wisdom and knowledge, and from this boundless source, all the need of his people is supplied. As the Head, Christ is the source of all authority and power. The head directs and governs the body. All the members are subordinate to the head. As the head is the residence of the mind, and as the material man is influenced by the spiritual, so with Jesus only, is the right to exert power, and to rule over every believer, being Head over all things to his church.