A Philosophy of History

There are multiple ways to understand history. Some cultures view history as a never cycle, continually going around and around. What has happened has happened multiple times in the past and will happen again multiple times in the future. Other societies see history as simply a collection of random events. There's no pattern or reason to what has happened or what will happen in the future. Still others understand history to be linear in nature where things get better and better over time. These views are humanity's attempt to understand its relationship to the rest of the universe. I submit that they are wrong, divorced as they are from the One who has revealed to us His purpose for creating the universe and His plans for its future. Where others see no overriding arch of story, Scripture tells us explicitly where we've come from and where we're going.

There are five classic "W" questions: who? what? when? where? and why? In the first verse, Genesis opens with answers to four of these questions.

In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. -- Genesis 1:1

• When: In the beginning
• Who: God
• What: created
• Where: the heavens and earth.

The rest of the Bible explains "why." Beyond the first first, the entirety of Scripture reveals the arch of the narrative from the beginning to the end of the beginning.

It starts with God creating a perfect place in which to meet on a daily basis the one creature He created in His image. There are at least three reasons He created mankind in His image. First, so He could walk with us in relationship, so we could have fellowship together. Second, so we could join with Him in rulership over the rest of creation; we are uniquely given authority over the rest of the universe to tend it and care for it. And finally, so there would be a frame into which He could place Himself when the time came to redeem us from our fallen state. He needed a creature that He could clothe Himself with when He became incarnate.

Genesis tells how He made a man and transformed him first into a family and then into a nation, Israel. He worked uniquely in this people group to create a culture through which He could reveal Himself. The whole Old Testament is the story of God working in people and nations as they interact with both Him and Israel to show who He is and the type of relationship He desires with people.

Like a fruit on a tree at the end of the growing season, when time was ripe, God took on flesh and came to live with us. Over the course of about 33 years, God, in the form of Jesus, showed us the heart of the Father. He showed us His compassion for the poor, the downtrodden, the hurting, the seeking. And He showed us His anger against those who would place barriers of various kinds for others to access Him. But His primary purpose was to reveal His love for each one of us. And He showed this by paying the ultimate price for us: He laid down His life for us.

However, He also demonstrated His power and authority by taking this life He laid down and picking it up again. Death could not hold Him. The grave had no power over Him. He then returned to His throne with the Father.

We're now in a temporary time where each one of us is given a free choice either to agree with His rule over creation or to reject it. Things will not always be as they are now. Just as there was a time ripe for His coming the first time, there is a season of growing that will culminate in the planet being ripe for His return. As the season progresses, the fruit of our choice to either accept or reject His leadership will mature. In this process, we're going to see an increased polarization between these two groups resulting ultimately in global conflict.

There will be fighting. There will be persecution. There will be war. There will be bloodshed.

When this conflict is at its height, when it's about to destroy everything, He will step in and put an end to it. And what an end it will be! When they see Him, every person will bow their knee. Some willingly as they have done even before that time. Others against their will, forced to acknowledge the powerlessness of their rebellion before Him.

He will restore justice. He will restore righteousness. He will restore creation to the original intent. We will walk with Him in unbroken fellowship, ruling and reigning over the earth with Him, according to His original design.

What is God's primary emotion?

I recently read an article that reminded me how important it is to think rightly of God and His relationship with us. If we don't have the proper understanding of how God perceives us, then we'll base our actions and reactions on wrong information and respond incorrectly. One method to analyze our thoughts surrounding our relationship with Him is to honestly ask ourselves:

What is God's primary emotion when He thinks of me?

When you read that question, what was your initial gut reaction before thinking about it? When you think about God, is He up in heaven upset at the last thing you did wrong? Is he merely putting up with you but would rather you weren't around? Is He ready to throw lightning bolts at you with the slightest provocation? Is He mad at you?

Or is He looking down on you, disappointed that you screwed up again? Does he focus on how you don't measure up to His standards? Does He wish you'd act better? Is He sad about you?

When I asked the question originally, I asked about His primary emotion. There are times when He is angry. There are times when He is sad. But I submit that neither of these are His primary emotions. Rather I believe He is mostly glad. Let's look at the reasons I come to this conclusion.

He isn't mad. Jesus' paid the price for your sins, my sins and the sins of the whole world.^[1] God's wrath was poured out on Him on the cross.^[2] He took on the burden of your sin so you don't have to.^[3] There are limited cases where His anger is released, but He is patient and slow to anger.^[4] An example of this is in the future when all the nations are persecuting the church and the armies of the world are descending on Israel. At this point, we're told His jealous rage will cause massive loss of life as He comes to the defense of His people.^[5] But this is a limited event, not a typical occurrence.

He isn't sad. He is in control and will ultimately rule and reign.^[6] He knows the end from the beginning.^[7] He knows how history will turn out and He knows it is good.^[8] There's no reason, long term, for sadness. The things that cause sadness are when people reject Him and His gifts.^[9] He longs for relationship with others and their rejection of that relationship breaks His heart. But not all fall into this category, and He knows that the end for these who accept Him is righteous relationship with Him for eternity.^[10] Any sadness over those who reject Him is temporary, overcome by the joy from those who accept Him.

He is glad. When He formed you, He knew what He was doing^[11] and danced in joy when He created you.^[12] You are the apple of His eye.^[13] Jesus was anointed with joy by the Holy Spirit, more than any other^[14] and He went through what He did knowing the joy that His work would produce.^[15]

So, when you think about God, is He mad, sad or glad? Do you need to change your perspective of Him? How would a change of perspective change your relationship with Him?

---

1. 1st John 2:2; Hebrews 2:9

2. Romans 5:9; 1st Thessalonians 1:10, 5:9

3. 2nd Corinthians 5:21; 1st Peter 3:18

4. 2nd Peter 3:9

5. Revelation 19:11-21; Isaiah 63:1-6

6. Hebrews 1:8-9, 2:8; 1st Corinthians 15:20-28

7. Isaiah 46:10

8. Philippians 1:6

9. Matthew 23:37

10. Matthew 25:1-46

11. Psalm 139:13

12. Proverbs 8:30-31

13. Psalm 17:7; Zechariah 2:8

14. Hebrews 1:9

15. Hebrews 12:2

Attributes of Jesus from Revelation 1 (4 of 4)

Today's article is the last in this series on the Attributes of Jesus from Revelation 1. So far, we've covered: Part 1 (verse 5): Jesus Christ, Faithful Witness, Firstborn from the dead, Ruler of the kings; Part 2 (verses 5-10): Lover, Free-er, Maker, Receiver, Coming on the clouds, Visible to all, Alpha and Omega, The Almighty, Voice like a trumpet; and Part 3 (verse 13-15): Among the lamp stands, Son of Man, Robe to feet, Golden sash on chest, Head like wool/Hair like snow, Eyes like blazing fire, Feet like burnished bronze, Voice like many waters. And now for the final verses 16 through 18.

Holds seven stars in His right hand

The right hand is the place of blessing and honor. The right hand wields power and strength. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches (represented by the lamp stands in verse 13) of Asia Minor: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea. Each of the letters in Revelation 2 and 3 are written to these angels. An open question about which there is much debate is: Are these angels in the heavenly sense, like Gabriel and Michael? Or is this word used in the "messenger" sense, as in the leader (e.g. pastor, teacher, prophet) over the church in the human sense? In either case, it's Jesus who holds them. Not an angel. Not a mere man. But Jesus. The Shepherd. The one who corrects and disciplines and serves and protects. He is the one who provides leadership to the church. Genesis 48:14,18,19; 1st Kings 2:19; Psalm 45:9, 60:5, 63:8, 108:6, 118:15-16, 110:1; Matthew 20:21,23, 22:44, 25:32-34; Revelation 1:11,20; Ephesians 4:15, 5:23

Out of his mouth comes a sharp, double-edged sword

Jesus is the living, active Word of God, sharper than a double-edged sword, able to divide between soul and spirit, joints and marrow, able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. The Word of God is the sword the Spirit wields. It was by Jesus' word that everything came into being; He spoke and it was. That same power and authority will be released to kill all who would presume to war against Him. John 1:1-5; Ephesians 6:17; Colossians 1:16; Hebrews 4:12; Revelation 19:11-21

Face shining like the sun in its strength

This is the same description as used on the mount of transfiguration. Just as the sun comes up every day, so too will David's throne be established forever; David's kingdom endure. This is fulfilled in Jesus, the descendent of David, both in His everlasting kingdom and in His physical appearance. From the rising of the sun until its setting the name of the Lord is to be praised. Here, it will never set, so praise will rise continually. Nothing can hide from the sun's heat. In perfect beauty and holiness, God's fire shines forth as a consuming fire. God's shining face brings salvation to His people and destruction to their enemies. Matthew 17:2; Psalm 19:6, 50:2-3, 80:3,7,19, 94:1, 97:1-12, 113:3; Daniel 7:10

First and Last

He is unique. There is no God before Him, nor will there be one after Him. This is our comfort; we don't have to be afraid of changes in rulership. Regardless of what we go through, He has been there and is there and will be there. He is all sufficient. He was the agent of creation, the originator of all things. In the end, al things will be subject to Him. Evil will be abolished and the righteousness of His kingdom will reign. As Savior, He is the one who starts our life of faith and He is the one wo brings it to completion. Isaiah 41:4, 43:10, 44:6, 46:4, 48:12; John 1:3; 1st Corinthians 15:24-26; Colossians 1:16, 2:9-12; 2nd Peter 3:7; Hebrews 1:2, 2:10, 12:2; Revelation 1:8, 1:17

Living One

This is the title of Jesus used by the angels at the tomb on the first resurrection Sunday. "The" Living One. Not "A" living One. The definite article is used. He is unique, specific. The "Living" One. He's alive by His own life force. Death could not keep Him down. He is the Life-giver. Life flows from His very being. The Living "One". In conjunction with the definite article, emphasizing the uniqueness of His singularity. There is only one source of Life. This echos Jesus' own statement about Himself: I am the Way, the Truth and the Life. The fulfillment of the Feast of First Fruits. He's the source of all life. The one in whom we live and move and have our being. This title is in contrast to all else. All other idols and gods and things people worship are not living, but only exist because He created them whether spiritual beings or physical objects. And as created beings, they are not worthy of worship, even though they may claim and demand worship. Luke 24:5; John 14:6; Acts 2:24, 17:24-29; Romans 6:4,9; 2nd Corinthians 13:4; Revelation 13:2-8

Was dead

How can the Living One become dead? It truly is a mystery. The Infinite becoming a finite human is easier to understand than the Living One dying. But scriptures says it happened. What it means or how it was accomplished I don't know. But here Jesus declares it about Himself, so it must be. Paul also mentions it. I suspect it's related somehow to Jesus becoming master over death. Perhaps it is related to Jesus being baptized. It wasn't because He was in need of repentance, but rather so that we, as part of the bundle of the living wrapped up in Him, might experience baptism with Him. In a similar way to His baptism, He had to die so we, bundled with Him, might die with Him so we could be raised with Him. In His humanity, as a prototype for all human-kind, He died. It's bending. My brain explodes. It's mush trying to wrap itself around this mystery. Romans 6:8-10

Now alive forevermore

The Living One, who was dead, is now alive forever and ever and ever. The Living One could not be held by death; it was impossible. Like darkness has no choice but to flee before light, death had no choice but to flee before the Living One. He did not have to die over and over again but rather His sacrifice is sufficient, once for all people for all time. It is appointed for all to die once and after that face judgement. Since He has now died once, He's now alive forever to bring salvation to those who place their trust in His atoning death. Acts 2:24; Romans 5:6-19, 6:10; Colossians 1:21-23; 1st Peter 3:18; Hebrews 9:21-28, 10:10-12

Hold keys of death and Hades

The one holding the keys is free to enter and leave at will. He has authority over that place. This is what He did. He entered and spent three days in Hell. Then He left of His own accord. He has authority over even death. The last enemy. He is the one who has freed us and we no longer have to live in fear. Death has no substance anymore. It is merely a powerless shadow. Hell and the place of destruction are naked before Him. The gates of death are revealed to Him and He sees the gates of darkness. He will abolish death. There will no longer be any death. Matthew 12:4; Psalm 23:4; Job 26:6, 38:17; 1st Corinthians 15:26; 2nd Timothy 1:10; Hebrews 2:15; Revelation 21:4

And that's it for this series. I hope you were blessed by it. If you have any thoughts, please leave them in the comments below.

Attributes of Jesus from Revelation 1 (3 of 4)

This is the third installment in my series on the Attributes of Jesus taken from Revelation 1. (Here are part 1 and part 2.) Today's items are found in verses 13 through 15.

Among the lamp stands

The lamp stands represent the church. He walks among His people. He is in our midst. He doesn't leave us. By the Holy Spirit, we burn in love and joy and praise before God with faith and character that have been refined through trials as if by fire. There were lamps in the tabernacle and temple the priests were responsible to tend. They trimmed the wicks and filled the oil to provide a constant, pure light. Jesus too is the final High Priest giving us the oil of His Spirit to burn for Him. Revelation 1:20; Matthew 18:20, 28:20; Hebrews 13:5; Job 23:10; Zechariah 13:9; 1st Peter 1:6-9; Matthew 3:11

Son of Man

In Jesus, God became man so He knows what we are going through and can come to our aid. We don't have a priest who cannot relate to us, but one who knows what we go through. He has, once for all, obtained redemption for us and, because of His sacrifice, as a man, He will rule and reign forever. Hebrews 2:17-18, 4:15, 9:11-12; Revelation 5:9; Daniel 7:13-14; Matthew 24:30, 26:64; Mark 13:26, 14:62; Luke 21:27

Robe to feet

The robe, in conjunction with the sash, are priestly garments, again showing His role as one who mediates between God and mankind. The robe represents the salvation and righteousness by which He rules and which He confers upon His people. Exodus 28:4; Leviticus 8:7; Hebrews 7:25-28; 2nd Chronicles 6:31; Isaiah 61:10; Psalm 132:9,16; Romans 3:21-26, 5:14-21; 1st Corinthians 1:30-31; Philippians 1:9-11

Golden sash on His chest

Like the robe above, the sash indicates His position as priest. This evokes the image Paul gives regarding the armor of God: the robe of truth and breastplate of righteousness. Jesus is the Truth. He is our righteousness. Exodus 28:4; Leviticus 8:7; Isaiah 22:21; Ephesians 6:14; John 14:6; 1st Corinthians 1:30

Head and hair like wool and snow

This passage directly links Jesus of John's vision to the Ancient of Days of Daniel's vision. White hair symbolizes the wisdom of age. There is no one who has more wisdom than Him. This direct link also confirms Jesus' devine nature. He is God just as the Father is God. Daniel 7:9; Job 12:12-13

Eyes like blazing fire

Fire symbolizes judgement. Judgement can bring one of two results. It can condemn or it can reward. It can destroy and purify. Like light destroys darkness, God's presence destroys those who are against Him. But for those who join themselves to Him, it purifies and protects. It provides light and guidance and brings glory to God. Jesus is the light of heaven. Genesis 19:24; Exodus 13:21; Psalm 11:6; Isaiah 43:2, 64:1-2, 66:15; Zechariah 13:9; Malachi 3:2-6; Matthew 5:14-16, 6:22; Luke 3:9, 8:16-17, 11:36; Acts 2:3; 1st Corinthians 3:12-15; Revelation 19:11-12, 21:23, 22:5

Feet like burnished bronze, glowing from a furnace

Feet are the place of subjection. Enemies are trampled underfoot. Bowing at the feet shows respect and submission. Bronze represents judgement. The altar in the tabernacle and temple was of bronze as were all the utensils accompanying it. The altar is where sin was judged and atoned for by sacrifice. Moses lifted up the bronze serpent to bring healing to the people being judged for their sins. In the same way, Jesus was lifted up on the cross to provide healing to all who would look to Him for their salvation. Glowing from a furnace represents purity. Combining these concepts, all judgement is subject to Jesus, or in other words, He is the supreme judge because He was the perfect Lamb of God, sacrificed for the sins of the world. His judgement is correct. There is no impurity in it. Feet: 2nd Samuel 22:38-39; Esther 8:3; Mark 7:25, 22:5; 1st Corinthians 15:27; Hebrews 2:8; Bronze: Exodus 27:1-8; Numbers 21:5-9; John 3:14-15; Furnace: Proverbs 17:3; Isaiah 48:10; Zechariah 13:9; 1st Corinthians 3:11-13; 1st Peter 1:6-8

Voice like many waters

These are the same words that were used to describes the Father's voice. He speaks and things come into existence. It has to be obeyed. Like a tsunami, His voice is irresistible, loud, cleansing, powerful and majestic. It judges and sweeps away impurity. Like rain, it is life giving. Without it nothing would exist. Genesis 1; Exodus 15:26; Deuteronomy 13:4,18; Ezekiel 43:2; Psalm 29:3-9; John 1:1-5; Revelation 16:1-12, 21:1-8

That's it for today. We'll finish the rest next time. As always, if you have any thoughts, please leave them in the comments below.

Attributes of Jesus from Revelation 1 (2 of 4)

The last article covered five attributes of Jesus as presented in Revelation 1:5. This article will continue with the rest found in verse five and continue through verse ten.

Lover

He loves us and demonstrated this by His giving Himself over to death on our behalf. We didn't love Him first. Rather, He loved us before we even thought of Him. Nothing can separate us from His love. Because of His love, He has given us eternal comfort. His love for us should transform us into lovers of others. John 3:16, 13:1, 13:34; 1st John 4:10, 4:16, 4:19; Romans 5:8-10, 8:37, 8:39; Galatians 1:4, 2:20; Ephesians 5:2; 2nd Thessalonians 2:16f

Freer

We are free from bondage to sin and death. We were slaves to unrighteousness. We had no choice. He has freed us from this slavery and we can now live in righteousness. John 8:31-32, 8:34-36; Romans 6:4-18, 6:20, 6:22, 8:1-5

Maker

Jesus is the agent of all creation. He made everything, whether spiritual or physical. Nothing exists that He didn't make. And now, He has made us alive, forgiving our sins and nailing our debt to the cross. He has made us a kingdom and priests to God, a fulfillment of an Old Testament promise. John 1:3, 1:10; Colossians 1:16-17, 2:13-14; 1st Corinthians 8:6; Hebrews 1:2; Revelation 1:6; Exodus 19:5-6

Receiver

He is the one who receives all glory and dominion. He alone is worth. There is only one in both heaven and earth who has been found to be worthy. He received glory and honor from God when He was on the earth; God is well pleased with His Son. Every being in heaven and earth will bend the knee and confess that Jesus is Lord. Some will willingly do it. Some will be compelled to do it. Revelation 5:2-10; 1st Peter 1:16-18; Matthew 17:5; Mark 9:7; Luke 9:35; Philippians 2:9-11

Coming on the clouds

Forty days after His resurrection, He ascended into the sky and disappeared in the clouds. In the same way He will return. Jesus Himself told us He would return in the clouds. When He appears, it will be to establish an everlasting kingdom. Being in the clouds, high and exalted, He is presented with all power and authority over all other powers and authorities on the planet. Returning in this way demonstrates His power and ability to rule. Acts 1:1-11; Matthew 24:29-31, 26:64; Mark 13:24-26, 14:62; Luke 21:27; Daniel 7:13-14

Visible to all

Everyone will see Him. His return will not be hidden or disguised or in secret. As lightning is seen across the whole sky, so too will His return be. There will be no mistaking it. Matthew 24:27, 28:3; Luke 17:24

Alpha and Omega

He is the Beginning and the End; the First and the Last. There was no God before Him and there will not be any after Him. All things are by Him and through Him and for Him. Isaiah 43:10, 44:6; Romans 11:36; 1st Corinthians 8:6; Hebrews 2:10

The Almighty

He is preeminent. There is no one greater than Him. He is not one among equals; rather He is supreme. While we are called to be like Him in character, no one can become like Him in nature. He is a strong protector. He is the righteous judge and king and since there is no one mightier than Him, His ruling will ultimately reign supreme. Psalm 91; Revelation 11:17, 15:3, 16:7, 19:6, 19:15

Voice like a trumpet

Trumpets are clear and loud. Their frequency cuts through and is heard above all the other instruments in the orchestra. Their notes pierce through the clash and din of battle. They cannot be ignored or drowned out. In a similar way, Jesus speaks to His people. He speaks to those who are His in a way they cannot ignore over the din of day to day life. Trumpets are used in the Old Testament to call to war, remind of sin and the provision for atonement. He told us to take heaven by force. In saying this, He calls us to war against sin and our natural, sinful man who is at odds with our spiritual, regenerated man. Exodus 20:1-18; Numbers 10:9-10; Judges 3:27, 6:34, 7:15-22; Matthew 11:12

That's it for this installment. The next post will look at Jesus' attributes as described in verses 13 through 15. If you have any thoughts, please leave them in the comments below.

Attributes of Jesus from Revelation 1 (1 of 4)

The last book of the Bible starts with the words "The revelation of Jesus Christ." This can be read two ways. The first meaning is the revelation is a possession of Jesus. In other words, "Jesus Christ's revelation." It is a revelation He gave to us. I believe this is the first, clear and intended meaning of this phrase. However, I think this phrase can also be understood a different way. Revelation, in addition to being a foretelling of history that Jesus possesses, also reveals more of who Jesus is in His nature and character. In much the same way the gospels tell us both the facts of what happened and the character and heart of Jesus, Revelation shows us both what will happen in the future and more of Jesus heart and character.

Over the last couple months, I have meditated on many of the attributes of Jesus as enumerated in the first chapter of Revelation. Starting with this post, and continuing for three more, I will list them and write a few thoughts on each along with a list of supporting scriptures. In total, I identified 31 different names and descriptions. Depending on how you read the text, one could argue a couple more or less. I don't think the exact count is as relevant as the fact that there are many dimensions to Jesus revealed in this chapter and they are worth meditating on and gazing on the many-faceted beauty of this Man.

All the attributes of Jesus in today's posting are from verse 5 of Revelation 1.

Jesus

First, is His name. It is what would have shown up on a birth certificate had they had them in first century Bethlehem. It is the English version of the common Hebrew name Joshua. There were in fact other Joshuas in Israel's history: Joshua, son of Nun, the leader of Israel after Moses, and Joshua the high priest in the days of the restoration when Israel returned from exile in Babylon. His name, while common, carried a promise, for it means God Saves. It was the name God Himself proscribed for Him through Gabriel's announcement to Mary when she was told she was the one chosen by God to bring forth his Son. He wanted to remind us that every one of us have sinned and need to be saved. And He wanted to tell us that the salvation of humans was the first reason Jesus became a man. It was by the shedding of His blood for us and our acceptance of what He's done on our behalf by which each one of us is reconciled to the Father. No one can have a relationship with God without the salvation Jesus provides. Matthew 1:21; Luke 1:31, 2:11, 2:21, 2:30-32; John 1:29, 1:36; Acts 2:38, 4:12, 5:31, 13:23,38,39; Romans 10:9-10; Colossians 1:20-23

Christ

Next is His best known title. It is what would have been beneath His name had he had a business card. It means Anointed. To be anointed is to be set apart, or consecrated, for a particular purpose. It was typically formalized in a ceremony where oil was poured on the initiate. This is seen at Jesus' baptism. The Spirit, commonly symbolized by oil, came and rested on Him and soon afterward He proclaimed God's anointing to be upon Him to preach the gospel, release the captives, recover the blind's sight, set free the oppressed and proclaim the year of God's favor. Priests in the Old Testament were anointed with oil to show their consecration as priests before God. This title shows us how Jesus is the final high priest between God and mankind. This title goes hand in hand with his role as savior. First He saves us, then He brings us into relationship with the Father. Matthew 11:5, 12:18; Luke 4:18; Acts 10:28; Hebrews 3:1-2, 4:14-16

Faithful witness

Jesus was a witness to us of God's character and heart. He revealed God to us. He said "He who has seen Me has seen the Father." Jesus did and said the things the Father told Him. One way "faithful" can be applied: He was faithful in this task. He did not waver from what was before Him. He was faithful in the face of opposition, even to His own detriment, death on the cross. Another way to understand His faithfulness: it's the nature of Jesus. He was the image we could see showing us the invisible Father who we could not see. Jesus is the exact representation of God's nature. The witness He bore was a true revelation of God's character. John 1:14, 12:44-50, 14:8-10; Philippians 2:8; Colossians 1:15; 1st John 5:20; Hebrews 1:3

Firstborn from the dead

Jesus' resurrection from the dead was the fulfillment of the Feast of First Fruits. He is the first of many more to come. Since He was resurrected, we can have confidence that we too will be raised from the dead. Our salvation is not just from our sins to have relationship with God now in this life, but also from the everlasting effects of sin, physical death. 1st Corinthians 15:20-26

Ruler of the kings

He is the King of all kings. Everyone will be subject to Him. He will rule over everything. All authority starts with Him and no authority exists apart from Him. He will rule over everything forever. Every knee, whether demonic, angelic or human will bow before Him and confess that He is Lord. All enemies will be subject to Him, including the last enemy, death. Deuteronomy 10:17; Revelation 17:14, 19:16; Matthew 11:27, 28:18; Ephesians 1:20-23; Colossians 1:16-18, 2:10; Daniel 7:13-14; Philippians 2:9-11; 1st Corinthians 15:25-26

That's the first five attributes, all from a single verse. There are more to come from this verse as well as many more from the rest of the chapter. If you have any thoughts, please leave them in the comments below.

The Theodrama in Three Acts

The last couple months, particularly as advent has approached, I've thought (and written) about the incarnation. Several times I've been reminded of seven verses that concisely summarize the whole theodrama^[1] of this present age from Genesis in the past to the future depicted in the apocalyptic books. They are hidden in the second chapter of Paul's letter to the Philippians and neatly divide into three sections.

Act I

Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men.
-- Paul the Apostle (Philippians 2:5-7)

As the curtain rises, we see Jesus existing as part of God. His very nature was the same as God the Father's. Other translations say that He "did not consider it robbery to be equal with God." In other words, other beings considering Him to be God and worshiping Him as such did not in any way rob the Father, because both were God. Jesus was as much God as the Father was God. They were one in nature and being, although separate in expression and manifestation.^[2]

This is in contrast to the devil who wanted that same worship and in so doing did rob God of His due. Satan was of a different, created nature than the uncreated manifestation of God as Jesus. In desiring the worship reserved only for God, he fell and was removed from his place in heaven.^[3] Jesus however, even though He did deserve this adoration did not use it to His own advantage but set aside the glory He shared with the Father and took on the form of a created man.

Jesus was born to an unmarried woman in a culture where this was condemned. People scoff today at the thought of a virgin having a baby. People of Mary's time were no less ignorant of how babies are made than we are. I'm sure there was as much doubt then surrounding Mary's story of Jesus conception as there is today. Jesus not only took on the form of a human, but was born into a situation that was looked down on by the society around Him. He was not born in a place or to parents that would draw attention to who He was or the purpose for His coming.

The Maker of the Universe lived among His creation completely overlooked and ignored.

Act II

Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
-- Paul the Apostle (Philippians 2:8)

Jesus did not stop with descending to earth to become a man. As a perfect, sinless man, He continued to pour Himself out and offered Himself as the sacrificial Lamb. Neither the Jewish religious leaders nor the Roman political class took Jesus' life from Him. He gave it willingly. Even on His last night on earth, when they came to arrest Him, just a minor release of His authority caused them to fall to the ground. There is no way they could have crucified Him if He did not allow it. In addition to His own restrained power, only their perfect obedience and discipline kept legions of angels from coming to His rescue.^[4]

This center verse is the fulcrum of all history. Everything changes at the cross. The glorious, self-existant One empties Himself in humility, not just as a man, not just as a bastard son, but all the way to an execution as a naked, broken criminal. He did this out of love. He did this to bring redemption to mankind and all creation. His goal is to restore everything to the way it was when He first created it. He did this, with eyes firmly focused beyond the circumstances of that moment, on the future when all things will again be placed under His authority.^[5]

Act III

For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
-- Paul the Apostle (Philippians 2:8-11)

The final act in this story is yet future for us in history, but it's finished in the mind of God and He has told us the general shape of what it will look like. Some have said a third of scripture talks about the end of this age when Jesus will return and the Father will place all things under His authority. God has given us much information about the end times. It must be important to Him for us to know what will happen. There are many arguments about details and I do think some align better with scripture than others, but one thing is certain and we need to stay focused on: Jesus will reign and every being, whether angel or demon or human, will acknowledge His pre-eminence over all things. Some will do this willingly, having said to God throughout their lives "Thy will be done" and be accepted into His presence. Others will do so begrudgingly and God will say to them "thy will be done" as they are thrown out of His kingdom into everlasting darkness.^[6]

So, in this time of year when we think about His first coming as a weak, vulnerable infant, let us remember the great heights from which He has come to us. Let us remember the incredible depths from which He has saved us. And let us join with the shepherds and wise men and bow the knee, worshiping Him as both Lord and Savior.

Further reading

1. Theodrama: Theo- meaning God. -drama meaning story. I.e. the story of God.

2. Isaiah 6:1-5

3. Isaiah 14:12-15; Ezekiel 28:12-19; Revelation 12:7-10; Revelation 20:7-10; Ephesians 6:12

4. John 18:1-6; Matthew 26:47-53

5. John 3:16; Romans 8:19-23; Hebrews 12:1-2; Hebrews 1:1-12; Hebrews 2:5-16

6. Matthew 25:14-30; Matthew 25:31-48