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The Head of the Church, October 1
He is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the first born
from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.
Colossians 1:18
.
Since His ascension Christ has carried forward His work on the earth by chosen
ambassadors, through whom He speaks to the children of men and ministers to
their needs. The great Head of the church superintends His work through the
instrumentality of men ordained by God to act as His representatives.
The position of those who have been called of God to labor in word and doctrine
for the upbuilding of His church is one of grave responsibility. In Christ’s stead they
are to beseech men and women to be reconciled to God, and they can fulfill their
mission only as they receive wisdom and power from above.
Christ’s ministers are the spiritual guardians of the people entrusted to their care.
Their work has been likened to that of watchmen. In ancient times sentinels were
often stationed on the walls of cities, where, from points of vantage, they could
overlook important posts to be guarded, and give warning of the approach of an
enemy. Upon their faithfulness depended the safety of all within. At stated intervals
they were required to call to one another, to make sure that all were awake and that
no harm had befallen any. The cry of good cheer or of warning was borne from one
to another, each repeating the call till it echoed round the city....
It is the privilege of the watchmen on the walls of Zion to live so near to God,
and to be so susceptible to the impressions of His Spirit, that He can work through
them to tell men and women of their peril and point them to the place of safety.
Faithfully are they to warn them of the sure result of transgression, and faithfully
are they to safeguard the interests of the church. At no time may they relax their
vigilance.... In trumpet tones their voices are to be lifted, and never are they to sound
one wavering, uncertain note....
He who serves under the bloodstained banner of Immanuel will have that to do
which will call for heroic effort and patient endurance. But the soldier of the cross
stands unshrinkingly in the forefront of the battle.... He realizes his need of strength
from above. The victories that he gains ... cause him to lean more and more heavily
on the Mighty One. Relying upon that Power, he is enabled to present the message
of salvation so forcibly that it vibrates in other minds....
It is by seeing Him who is invisible that strength and vigor of soul are gained
and the power of earth over mind and character is broken (
The Acts of the Apostles,
360-363
).
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