APRIL 14, 2025 – EXALTED

READ: Phil. 2:9-11: Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

After Christ’s humiliation came His exaltation as God’s response and reward. God gave Him the name above every name—the highest honor and authority over all creation. This is unique: no one is higher than Him, a truth that was made manifest after His ascension.

We see Jesus crowned with glory and honor at the right hand of God the Father (Heb. 2:9). He is “far above all principality and power and might and dominion, not only in this age but also in that which is to come. And He [that is, God] put all things under His feet and gave Him to be head over all things to the church” (Eph. 1:21-22). As the Lamb that was slain, He unrolls the scroll (Rev. 5:7).

All creation must now acknowledge His exaltation (compare Dan. 7:14). This should be evident in the way people honor, obey, and follow Him. Those who refuse to do so will ultimately be forced to acknowledge Him on the last day (Matt. 24:30; 25:32; Rev. 1:7).

However, Christ’s exaltation also shows us that God lifts up those who humble themselves (Luke 1:52; Matt. 14:11; 18:14; 23:12; James 4:10). The promise that accompanies His call to humility is fulfilled, and Christ’s exaltation is the ultimate proof of that.

Christ’s exaltation as Mediator and Head of the church leads to the praise, glory, and honor of God the Father and, in Him, of the Triune God. This is the ultimate goal of all that God has created. In the behavior, actions, and speech of creation, through Christ, everything will ultimately contribute to the praise of God’s glory (Eph. 1:6,12,14).

Does Jesus’ position give you peace in your thoughts?   

Sing: Hymn 35: 1,5 (1984) / 44:1,5 (2014)