Who's in the Driver's Seat?

Ephesians 1:20–23 (ESV)

²⁰ that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, ²¹ far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. ²² And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, ²³ which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.

I know that this is a theme I have come back to a couple or times over the years, but I think that right now is a good time to return to this question – “Who is in the driver’s seat?”  When we look at this world… when you and I look at our lives – who’s in control?  Who is in charge?  Who is driving the car?

I don’t know how you are, but I tend to like to be the one driving.  I think it’s a control issue.  My kids have a love/hate relationship with me driving or not driving.  When I am driving, they think I am too slow… to cautious.  When they are driving, I make them crazy by bracing, grabbing on to handles, or slamming on imaginary brakes at the slightest hint of danger or of driving too fast or of driving to close.  You might say that I have “control issues.”

For me and I am betting for most of you, those control issues extend well beyond driving the car.  Most of us like to believe that we are in the driver’s seat of our lives.  We make our plans.  We like life better when people see and do things our way.  Our preference is for things to work out the way we want them to work out.  When that doesn’t happen, we pout… we get irritated… we worry.  Why?  Because we’re not in control. 

This COVID 19 pandemic has been an ongoing reminder that you and I are just kidding ourselves if we think we are in control.  How many of you have suddenly not been able to go see your doctor?  Have any of you had vacation plans changed or cancelled?  Lost jobs?  Not been able to go to church? Had to have someone else pick up your groceries?  Been at the mercy of your children telling you whether or not you are allowed to leave the house?  Watched helplessly as your savings and investments shrink or even disappear?

Now you understand the question for today’s blog.  Who is in the driver’s seat?  Is it the President?  Dr. Fauci?  The CDC?  Your governor?  Some local judge or health official you have never heard of?  Your kids?  The devil?  The truth is, it’s certainly not you or me.  COVID 19 has made that clear. 
But I would also tell you, its not any of those other groups I mentioned either.  Who then?

Well today is Ascension Day, the day (40 days after Easter) when we celebrate the ascension of Jesus back into heaven.  This is the day Jesus returned to His Father, triumphant over sin, death and Satan.  This is the day he led into captivity the enemies of God.  This is the day that Jesus who is both God and man, took up His power and began to reign.  That’s the meaning of the passage from Ephesians 1. God raised Jesus from the dead and at His Ascension “seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places,  far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.”   At the Ascension God took Jesus, who is both God and Man, and placed Him in the driver’s seat.

That’s good news for all sorts of reasons.  He is God – He can handle the job.  Jesus is also man.  He has been tempted in every way as we are and yet was without sin. Jesus knows our trials, understands our troubles.  He has compassion and mercy towards us because He has walked in our shoes.  He has conquered and defeated every enemy by His life, death and resurrection.  Afraid of the virus?  Worried about your job?  Fearful of the new normal?  Fretting because you aren’t in control?  Don’t be.  Jesus is in control.  God has taken  the One who loves you so much that He gave up His life for you and placed Him in the driver’s seat.   The lamb of God who was slain for you and yet is alive is seated on the throne.  God has “put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, “ to you and me.  From that driver’s seat Jesus says to you and me, “Fear not, I am the first and the last, and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades.”  Don’t worry,” Jesus says, “I’m driving.” Amen.