Everything is subject to Jesus. "God left nothing unsubjected. At present we do not see all things thus subject, but we do see Jesus crowned with glory and honor because He suffered death" (Heb 2:8-9).

Jesus has this supreme authority not because He has put His enemies to death but because His enemies have put Him to death. Jesus is a Conqueror because He was a Casualty. "Indeed, it was fitting that when bringing many sons to glory, God, for Whom and through Whom all things exist, should make their Leader in the work of salvation perfect through suffering" (Heb 2:10).

Jesus reigns supreme because He suffered and died. This is the ultimate power play — to let the enemy kill you and then rise from the dead. Jesus is the King of kings and Lord of lords because He escaped death, but also because death could not escape Him. By dying, He put death to death. "Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?" (1 Cor 15:54-55) Jesus proclaims: "Once I was dead but now I live — forever and ever. I hold the keys of death and the nether world" (Rv 1:18).

You can reign supreme with Jesus. You can sit with Him on His throne (Rv 3:21). However, you must suffer with Him to be glorified with Him (Rm 8:17). In 2005, will you accept the way of the cross and receive power from on high? (Lk 24:49)

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Richard Walling, July 7, 2004

Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, July 19, 2004