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).

Abraham’s Reminder

Since December 10 of last year, I have been studying Hebrews in the morning. I’m now in Chapter 11, and the rewards of spending time in this book are very evident to me. I could write many posts on what I have learned and how it has inspired greater inward affections for Jesus and what he has done on our behalf.

This morning I read about Abraham. The author explains that Abraham was called by God to leave his place of residence, as God promised him another land. Trusting God’s word and looking forward to a city whose designer and builder is God, Abraham left behind his pagan life and journeyed as a foreigner would, recognizing that what lay ahead was far greater. In this, I was struck by a very simple application: First, we too began as pagans like Abraham. He was then sought and called by God, of which we can say the same. We were intently worshiping our idols as Abraham was, and the Lord, in his mercy, sought us. Secondly, upon his calling, Abraham trusted God and he was counted righteous. We too have been counted righteous by faith in the blood of Christ. Thirdly, and what hit me the hardest this morning, the evidence of Abraham’s faith was that he lived and journeyed “as in a foreign land”. His eyes were fixed on the promises of God, not on the visible, tangible riches around him.

I am thankful for this reminder today. This world is fallen, so one would think it would be easy to let it go and live as one who has a better home. However, we are fallen as well, and the flesh holds on to what is rotting. Promised to all who believe is the City of God, the land designed, built, and dwelt in by God himself. May we all journey as foreigners, letting go of things that moth and rust will destroy, and looking forward to our abiding home with Christ.