Exalting Jesus Christ

 

When we were teens, our dad took us to music concerts. He didn’t stay but picked us up after. It was there that I had my first brush with fame when my sister and I had our photo taken with a famous recording artist who was also good-looking. I was in awe. Later, I idolized another singer and collected 2500 photos of him. Gone are those days and those singers, even before I discovered the only One who is worthy of worship:

(God) . . . seated (Christ) 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. And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all. (Ephesians 1:20–23)

Exalting means elevating someone in status. On a human level, this can be done for several reasons, from true worth to ridiculousness. Two people told a friend that they voted for our last prime minister because he has nice hair! Others elevate everything from movie stars and other entertainers to leaders of business, cultural organizations, artists, and so on, but only Jesus possesses all power and authority and deserves all honor and glory. Sadly, many are blind to who He is and what He has done. When He came, He was mocked and eventually murdered. However, before He died, Jesus prayed to His Father:

And now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had with you before the world existed. (John 17:5)

Of course, that prayer was answered. Jesus was given an exalted name and authority. He is the King of kings and Lord of lords and occupies the highest place of power, prominence, and honor.

He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs. (Hebrews 1:3–4)

This exaltation covers the beginning when He created all things to the future when all will bow before Him:

Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:9–11)

For His people, the invitation is always open: “Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together!” (Psalm 34:3) The entire psalm praise God for hearing our prayers, removing our shame, delivering us out of trouble, taking care of our needs, granting to us good things, giving us grace to turn from sin, and fully redeeming us so we don’t get what our sin deserves.

Jesus, I praise You for all You have done for me, but also for all that You are — fully God who became fully man, a Leader yet meekly obedient, a Shepherd yet a Lamb, a King who washes dirty feet, One who loves unconditionally and forgives at Your own expense, and so much more. You are my Lord, yet also my intimate Friend, always here, always ready to listen and instruct. I exalt You!

MORE: List everything I can think of that is true about Jesus. Exalt Him today, in every thought and conversation.