Wednesday, May 4, 2016

EmmDev 2016-05-04 [Understanding the Ascension of Jesus] Our High Priest has finished His Work

Our High Priest has finished His Work

In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe. 3 The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.      (Hebrews1:1-3)
Jesus is our Great High Priest. A significant portion of the letter to the Hebrews explains this. Being both God and human, He represented God to us and then as a substitutionary sacrifice for sin, He represented us to God by being both our sinless high priest and also the once-for-all sin-sacrifice.

The ascension into heaven and being seated at God's right hand is an indication that His sacrifice was accepted, that His offering was complete and that His work is done.

On the cross Jesus said "It is finish

--
Theo Groeneveld
Emmanuel Presby Church
theo@emmanuel.org.za Cell: 082-5510752

ed."
The Ascension and being seated at God's right hand is the conclusion of the matter. It is God saying "Come sit at my right hand my Son - Your work is done!"

We could describe Jesus' work with three C's: The Cradle, the Cross and the Crown. The ascension is a culmination of all the enthronement psalms we read in the Old Testament. The Ascension is the announcement of His success and His victory. The ascension is the confirmation that He is our great High Priest and King.

(Although His sacrificial work is done - Our Lord Jesus continues to take the priestly role of empathetic intercessor and representative, but that's a cool story for another dev...)

For now we take comfort in the fact that He "sat down" - His work is done and there is nothing more that needs to be added. This is our great comfort and hope!