The Exalted Jesus

Chuckle: "Light travels faster than sound. That's why some people appear bright until they speak."

Quote: "Humility is to make a right estimate of one's self." --Charles Spurgeon

"Therefore, God exalted him (Jesus) to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" (Philippians 2:9-11a NIV).

"Therefore," in verse 9, seems to indicate that the Father's primary justification for exalting Jesus was because of His willingness to humble Himself and be obedient unto death on the cross. Through His humble service, Jesus pleased the Father, who made Him ruler of the universe. He was (1) exalted to the highest place; (2) He was given a name above every other name; and (3) He was given the divine offices of Prophet (Jesus), Priest (Christ), and King (Lord). God wants every tongue to confess Jesus as Lord. Confession includes thanksgiving, praise, and commitment.

At the last judgment, even those who are condemned will recognize Jesus' authority and right to rule. People can choose now to commit their lives to Jesus as Lord or be forced to acknowledge Him as Lord when He returns. We are to lay up treasures in heaven by the way we live, love, and serve. Then, at the Judgment Seat of Christ (2 Cor. 5:10), we will receive the rewards for our faithful service. Jesus never sought to be exalted, but exaltation came as the result of His humble and obedient service. This should be our attitude.

The exalted Christ made this promise to those who have accepted Him as Savior and Lord. He said: "I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am" (John 14:3 NIV). He could return at any moment. Are you ready to meet him? If you are, how can you do anything less than praise Him as your Lord and humbly dedicate yourself to His service?

The following is attributed to Napoleon Bonaparte: "I marvel that whereas the ambitious dreams of myself, Caesar, Alexander, should have vanished into thin air, a Judean peasant, Jesus, should be able to stretch His hands across the destinies of men and nations. I know men; and I tell you that Jesus Christ is no mere man. Between him and every other person in the world there is no possible term for comparison. Alexander, Caesar, Charlemagne, and I myself have founded empires; but upon what do these creations of our genius depend? Upon force. Jesus alone founded his empire upon love; and to this very day millions would die for him."

Love, Jerry & Dotse