Ephesians 1:20-23 "... when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, (21) Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: (22) And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, (23) Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all."
God, our Father, gave Jesus "to be the head over all things."
Yes, Jesus is our "elder Brother." (See Romans 8:29.) Yes,
Jesus is our Friend. (See Proverbs 18:24.) But most of all, we must remember
that He is Lord of all. He now sits at the right hand of the Father and has
been given a place that is higher than "... all principality, and power,
and might, and dominion, and every name that is named." He is due our
utmost respect and honor that is to be given to Him. His name is only to be
used with a sense of reverential awe. Jesus is the One Who left heaven's glory
to come to this earth and walk among a people that are so contradictory to Him.
He allowed Himself to be taken, went through a mockery of a trial, was scourged
until He was unrecognizable, and then allowed the nails to be driven through
His hands and feet. And He chose to do this for you and me. My heart is both
pricked and elated to think of such wondrous love that has been shown to me by
my precious Lord and Saviour.
Why did the Father allow this to happen? We know it was because of His amazing
saving grace that He allowed His only begotten Son to have to endure such pain
and suffering. What is our place in all this? To put it simply, we are the
recipients of the manifested love of God, our Father. We have received such
wonderful grace and it was given us for a reason. We are told concerning Jesus
and His work of redemption: "In whom also we have obtained an inheritance,
being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things
after the counsel of his own will: That we should be to the praise of his
glory, who first trusted in Christ." (Ephesians 1:11-12) Yes, we are to
use this grace and mercy in order that we would give all praise, honor, and
glory unto our Lord. In my thoughts there is a very unselfish reason for God
wanting glory to be given unto the Lord Jesus. That reason is so that you and I
will know where to go when we are feeling overwhelmed with the weight of the
world. We are to go to Jesus and by faith, lay our burdens down at His feet. He
has promised peace and assurance when we do that. Glory to His Name!
1 There's not a friend like the lowly Jesus.
No, not one! No, not one!
None else could heal all our soul's diseases.
No, not one! No, not one!
Refrain:
Jesus knows all about our struggles;
He will guide till the day is done.
There's not a friend like the lowly Jesus.
No, not one! No, not one!
2 No friend like Him is so high and holy.
No, not one! No, not one!
And yet no friend is so meek and lowly.
No, not one! No, not one! [Refrain]