The story is also told of a young couple who took their little girls on a camping trip—a time to escape technology and appreciate nature. The father had the girls gather pine needles in order to make soft "beds." They were then told to bring large rocks to form a circle in the cool stream to make a "refrigerator." Next, a "stove" was made by placing a grate over another ring of stones. The girls were so impressed and excited! The little five-year-old smiled at her Dad and innocently said, "If we get more rocks, Daddy, will you make a TV?" Once again, I think we see the problem—the authority figure has become the "Santa Claus", and, quite often, all for the purpose of keeping everybody happy. But is that really the goal?
With this concept of authority in mind, I found myself on a journey through the Scriptures, and I would like you to go along. Recently, in one of our church services, I spoke on Jesus being the Chief Cornerstone. As I thought further on this idea of Him being the "chief," I discovered that that word is used over 325 times in the Bible. There are many lists of family units within the tribes of Israel, and the "chief" is the father or ancestor. In these lists, the Hebrew word is often "nasi", referring to one who is exalted, like a king or a sheik. Another word is "rosh", meaning to shake the head, as in determining, by, perhaps, "yes" or "no", the appropriate path for those he is leading. Yet another one that is used is "pinnah," implicating a pinnacle, a bulwark, or a strong tower. This "chief" is crucial—not a "sugardaddy," providing for every whim, but a very respected leader and guide.
Besides all of the many references to the "chief priests," and the "chief musicians" found in most Psalms, it is also a specific reference to Jesus. I already mentioned the Chief Cornerstone—"Wherefore also it is contained in Scripture, Behold, I lay in Zion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on Him shall not be confounded. Unto you therefore which believe He is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, and a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient." (1 Peter 2:6-8) Those "builders" were the religious leaders, who were supposed to be leading the way. Be very careful in these days, for many preachers and teachers are taking many down a road to ruin, claiming it to be a pathway to prosperity. We can see it in Proverbs 16:28, too—"A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends." Now I know the obvious implication is the danger of gossip and slander, but is it not also true that Satan whispers thoughts of non-commitment and deceit that draw us away from our chief friend—Jesus Christ?
Consider this—"And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away. Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time." (1 Peter 5:4-6) This "archipoimane", or chief Shepherd, not only speaks of being the head over the sheep, but the "arche" suggests His being from even before the beginning. No doubt, to follow this One, who leads by experience and authority, is to surely be on the right path. But let's not stop here—let's go all the way on this journey, for it is a road that may begin with seeing Him as the "Chief", but it truly culminates in knowing Him as the "Chiefest!" To get there, we must make a legal U-turn—all the way back to the Book of the Song of Solomon. It was originally written by King Solomon, perhaps on the occasion of His delightful marriage to His first wife—a Shulamite woman. It is actually a powerful conversation between the two of them, expressing their love and devotion to each other. But then something happened!
In Chapter 5, verse 2, we read these words from the bride—"I sleep, but my heart waketh: it is the voice of my beloved that knocketh, saying, Open to me, my sister, my love, my dove, my undefiled: for my head is filled with dew, and my locks with the drops of the night." Some suggest that this is the beginning of a dream, but whether asleep or awake, this episode in their relationship is filled with powerful truth. Solomon, known here as the "beloved," has come to visit his bride. But it is in the middle of the night—the lights are off and the house is closed up. In fact, she says, "I have put off my coat; how shall I put it on? I have washed my feet; how shall I defile them?" (vs.3) In the East, at this time, one's feet needed to be washed several times throughout the day—with sandals and dusty roads, they were easily soiled—even by a journey across the floor to the door. This delay would cost her dearly!
His voice had awakened her heart—in the Hebrew, it refers to an opening of the eyes and a stirring. But, at least momentarily, some other thing—some hindrance—got in the way. Then she actually sees his hand—"My beloved put in his hand by the hole of the door, and my bowels were moved for him"—and, now, she does rise to let him in. The very next statement—verse 6—explains what had happened. "I opened to my beloved; but my beloved had withdrawn himself, and was gone: my soul failed when he spake: I sought him, but I could not find him; I called him, but he gave me no answer." The plain fact of the matter is that she just hesitated too long—she didn't immediately obey. She loved her groom, but she let something else get in the way. When she came to her senses, it was too late—he had left the house! Realizing she had made the wrong choice, she ran out looking for him—only to have the watchmen of the town assume that she was a disreputable "woman of the streets," and mistreat her. As she frantically ran around asking his whereabouts, she, in turn, is asked, "What is thy beloved more than another beloved…?" In other words, what makes him"My beloved is white and ruddy, the chiefest among ten thousand." (vs. 10)
so special? Her response included the following statement—
Obviously, the bride now sees her groom as the ultimate authority figure—the epitome of desirable leadership. Historically, Solomon would make several wrong turns throughout the journey of his life, but—Praise God—it is not just about him! No, this is a very graphic description of the love and devotion between Jesus and His Church, the ultimate Bridegroom and Bride. It is interesting to note that the Hebrew word for chiefest is "dagal," literally referring to a conspicuous lifting up of a standard or a banner. In this same book, the bride says, "He brought me to His banqueting house, and His banner over me was love." (2:4) These two words, "banner" and "chiefest," are the same Hebrew word. Praise God—the standard for us to follow isHis love!
It all sounds very logical—love Jesus, follow Jesus. But how many times do we get off this path, letting other things hinder us or steer us away? We can claim to love Him, but when He speaks, do we immediately respond? Or do our souls fail when we are faced with giving up our comfort zones? Do we hesitate, even for a moment—just a moment? Many are satisfied with hearts that are simply awakened, but it isn't enough that we feel a stirring inside and our eyes are opened. Jesus has come to raise the standard of love that is revealed through obedience. He said that if we love Him, we will keep His commandments—warm fuzzy feelings and stirred up emotions are not enough. So how do we come to see Jesus as the chiefest? The Apostle Paul gives us a clue—"This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief." (1 Tim. 1:15) Were you the "chief" of sinners? If you weren't, then you won't know Him as the "chiefest." Those who know they have been forgiven much, love much! A. Moody Stuart once wrote, "The greatness of salvation and the greatness of transgression, by their very contrast, suit each other; the chief of sinners needing the chief of Saviours." While so many are excited to see Jesus as a "sugardaddy," fulfilling all their whims, technological or otherwise, be thrilled that the Heavenly Father sent the Chiefest among 10,000 to be in you—your goal, your standard, and your authority!
