Introduction

God's economy of exaltation refers to the divine principle by which God humbles the proud and exalts the humble. This concept is woven throughout the biblical narrative, illustrating God's sovereign will and His desire for His people to embody humility. The economy of exaltation is a recurring theme that underscores the moral and spiritual order established by God, where true greatness is achieved through humility and service.

Biblical Foundation

The principle of exaltation is rooted in the character of God and His dealings with humanity. In the Old Testament, the theme is evident in the lives of key figures such as Joseph, Moses, and David, who were exalted by God after periods of humility and testing. The Psalms frequently echo this theme, as seen in Psalm 75:7: "but it is God who judges; He brings one down and exalts another."

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ embodies the ultimate example of humility leading to exaltation. Philippians 2:5-9 describes how Christ, "being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross. Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name above all names."

Principles of Exaltation

1. Humility Before Honor: Proverbs 18:12 states, "Before his downfall a man's heart is proud, but humility comes before honor." This principle is a cornerstone of God's economy, where humility is the pathway to true honor and exaltation.

2. Servanthood as Greatness: Jesus taught His disciples that greatness in God's kingdom is measured by servanthood. In Matthew 23:11-12 , He declares, "The greatest among you shall be your servant. For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted."

3. God's Sovereign Choice: God's economy of exaltation is not based on human merit but on His sovereign choice. Romans 9:15-16 emphasizes this, stating, "For He says to Moses: 'I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.' So then, it does not depend on man's desire or effort, but on God's mercy."

Examples in Scripture

· Joseph: Sold into slavery and imprisoned, Joseph remained faithful to God. His humility and integrity led to his exaltation as the second most powerful man in Egypt (Genesis 41:39-41).

· Moses: Initially reluctant and humble, Moses was chosen by God to lead Israel out of Egypt. His leadership was marked by reliance on God, resulting in his exaltation as a prophet and leader (Exodus 3:10-12).

· David: Anointed as king while still a shepherd boy, David's rise to kingship was marked by humility and trust in God, despite numerous challenges and opposition (1 Samuel 16:11-13).

Theological Implications

God's economy of exaltation challenges human notions of power and success. It calls believers to a life of humility, service, and dependence on God. This divine principle assures believers that God sees and rewards the humble, even when the world does not. It also serves as a reminder of the ultimate exaltation that awaits those who faithfully follow Christ, as promised in 1 Peter 5:6 : "Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, so that in due time He may exalt you."

Conclusion

The economy of exaltation is a profound biblical truth that reveals God's heart for His people. It invites believers to embrace humility, trust in God's timing, and find true greatness in serving others, following the example of Jesus Christ.