Ephesians 1:20-22 Which he worked in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,… We commonly think of Christ as the Man of sorrows, humiliated and crucified; but we should more often remember that this familiar picture describes what is completely past. If we would love and worship our Lord as he now is, we must look at him in his exaltation - triumphant, joyous, glorious. We should see the typical Christ in Raffaelle's 'Transfiguration' rather than in the many piteous 'Ecce Homo's!' that arrest our attention. We have not to weep at the tomb, "He is not here; he is risen." The supremacy of Christ is twofold - in rank and in authority. I. THE SUPREME RANK OF CHRIST. 1. Where in it consists. Christ sits at God's "right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule," etc. By an accumulation of titles of beings below Christ, St. Paul not only declares, but helps to make us feel, the lofty rank of Christ. For since we have only seen the humiliation, it is difficult to realize the exaltation. 2. Whence it arises. (1) From the nature of Christ. He is Son of God as well as Son of man. In the end every nature finds its level. (2) From the character of Christ. The highest honor is due not to wisdom, nor to power, but to goodness. It is not the Socrates, nor the Alexander, but the holy Jesus of Nazareth who is raised to the right hand of God. (3) The sacrifice of Christ. "Every one that humbleth himself shall be exalted." God exalts Christ to his throne, because Christ humbled himself to the cross. 3. What effects should flow from it. (1) It should excite our joy. It is our Lord, our Savior, our Brother, who is thus honored. If we thought less of ourselves and more of Christ, our worship would be less plaintive; we should make heaven's arch ring with songs of gladness. (2) It should inspire our reverence. We must have a low nature if we cannot love reverently when we love warmly. Yet with many a genuine affection for Christ seems to inspire an unbecoming familiarity. (3) It should shed glory on the service of Christ. How can we be ashamed to be Christians, if this is to be followers of the highest in rank? (4) It should encourage our hopes. At first it may strike a chili fear as we see our Lord removed far above us. But faith knows that he is the same Man who sat weary by the well of Sychar, and lay sleeping in the fishing-boat of Gennesaret. The risen Christ had his still pierced hands. It is unworthy to think that in his heavenly exaltation he will forget his earthly friends. If he does not, his glory is ours. He will call his people to share his triumph. II. THE SUPREME AUTHORITY OF CHRIST. 1. Wherein it consists. (1) "He put all things in subjection under his feet." All earthly and heavenly things work according to the will of Christ. (2) He is the Head of the Church. He not only teaches and saves and blesses; he rules. And he has never abdicated nor delegated his authority. Any assumption of the headship, which belongs only to Christ, is rebellion against him. If the pope claims this authority, he must be an antichrist. 2. Whence it arises. (1) From the nature of Christ. He is a born King. (2) From the character of Christ. He is just and merciful, and has the ideal royal character. He is most fit to rule. (3) From the triumph of Christ. He is victorious over sin and death. He reigns by right of conquest. 3. What effects should flow from it. (1) We should obey Christ, and (2) have full confidence in him. Here is good ground for believing that he will make all the strange, dark events of our lives work right in the end; that he will conquer all his foes and all the evil of the world; and that those who suffer with him here shall also reign with him hereafter. - W.F.A. Parallel Verses KJV: Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, |
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