In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne high and lifted up; and the train of his robe filled the temple (Isaiah 6:1).
Exalted – elevated in rank, power, or character; held in high estimation, glorified or praised; raised high (Merriam-Webster).
When you think of the world exalted, who comes to mind? Are there people you hold in high esteem? I can think of a handful of people who “rank” in my book – a few family members, a friend, a couple of mentors. When I reflect on why I hold these people in high esteem, it is generally because of something they’ve done. Even if they are on my list because of their character, I know or have confidence in the strength of their character because of their actions (or inaction). Most often, this is something that benefits me or supports something I believe in.
Exalted as an attribute of God the father, son and holy spirit couldn’t be more different. In chapter 2 of his letter to the church at Philippi, Paul encourages believers to be united in Christ. He further instructs them to follow Christ’s example by avoiding selfish ambition and valuing others as more important than themselves.
[Jesus] Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness (Philippians 2:6-7).
Jesus was (and is) exalted because of who he is. Not because of what he has done, and not because of something that benefits him, and not because of a position he supports. Just because of who he is.
Therefore God exalted him 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 every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 2:9-11).
Jesus, we exalt you. Be the Lord of our lives today. Amen.