"...I call first captain!"

There is a sense on every elementary school playground that each student must rush out and try to be first on the field to declare "first captain!" They would then be able to pick whom they wanted on their team; they were the leader.

The desire in many young kids (and adults) is to lead the way into something great - to head off first into the adventures of touch football, or even leading a hike. In many ways this urge toward initial leadership can be seen as a clear reflection of Christ in our young people. In Colossians 1:18, Paul continues to share that Christ is not only the creator, the sustainer, and head of the church, but that he is also the "firstborn from among the dead."He is the one who will lead the way into eternal life, in the way of resurrection from the dead!

With his resurrection having already occurred, Christ is leading the victory parade right now, he invites us to join. To join in his redemptive work in our hearts and those of others, in our world/culture and in creation. Our hope of eternal resurrection is secured in Him but in our lives now, what might it look like for us to live as though we truly knew that Christ is victorious over all the powers of death and destruction?

Are there areas of our lives that need Christ's redemptive healing?

Are there people or situations in our lives where we need to call "first captain" and lead the way into bringing Christ's love there?