Celebrating Jesus’ Enthronement

Drawing attention to the second half of Hebrews 1:3 this Resurrection morning:

…after making purification for sins, [God's Son, Jesus] sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high…

Two acts performed by God’s Son come together in this text to communicate one magnificent truth for our redemption. First, the Son made purification for sins. This act not only distinguishes him from all other beings, but also—and especially—appeals to his unique work as High Priest on behalf of his own. It was fitting that he bring many sons to glory by tasting death and making propitiation for them (2:9-18). For Jesus Christ entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing their eternal redemption (9:12). It was him who offered himself once for all to bear and put away the sins of many by the sacrifice of himself (9:26-28).

Yet this act of purification, glorious as it is, is not left standing alone. The writer explains that it was performed before yet another great act, one that in God’s redemptive purpose accompanies the purification. Hence, second, Jesus sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. The Son first made purification for sins—observed in his enduring the cross and confirmed in God’s raising him from the dead—and once this was completed, then He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty. He did this to enable sinners, who once could not approach God without being consumed in his wrath, to come before the throne of grace with confidence, knowing that that they will receive mercy and grace in time of need (4:16). He did this so that all his enemies would be made a footstool for his feet so that sinners would receive a kingdom that cannot be shaken (10:13; 12:28). He did this to bring all his children to dwell with him on Zion’s hill in the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, so that they might worship God with reverence and awe (12:18-24).

Such glorious participation by the saints in these things is and has been accomplished by the supreme Son’s role as both High Priest of heaven and High King of heaven. How breathtaking it is that the High Priest is also High King, and the High King is also High Priest. Jesus is our High Priest and High King, and his enthronement is itself for the salvation of the people for whom he died.

Therefore, brothers and sisters, today, fix your eyes upon the Son, who is the pioneer and perfector of our faith. For the joy that was sat before him, he endured the cross, and now sits at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who has endured such great hostility by sinners against himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. May God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever; Amen (13:20-21).

Christmas in Iraq

As we celebrate the incarnation of Jesus, let’s remember that some of our brothers and sisters are unable to do so as openly and freely as some of us. Let’s pray for their endurance in the faith and that their persecution would only serve to make them all the more glad that Jesus has redeemed them. And for those of us not enduring persecution at the moment, let’s posture our hearts in such a way that we remain dependent upon Jesus even in our comfort.

Father, we ask that you would help us to be mindful of your work through your people across the globe. We know this season looks different for many of us. We pray you would unite us, whether in the midst of persecution or in the midst of a undeserved feast, to rejoice that Jesus came to be “God with us”. We also ask that you give the grace and comfort needed to endure persecution to those in harm’s way. We pray all these things that you might be lifted up, for your glory and our joy. Amen.