Wednesday, December 7, 2011

"Exalted In That Day... and in This Day"


"The Lord alone shall be exalted in that day" (Isaiah 2:11).

In principle, every born again believer in the Lord Jesus Christ affirms that He alone merits all honor, praise, glory and adulation.

In practice, however, we are tempted to think, speak and act in ways that exalt ourselves or other human beings. Our spiritual enemies' primary purpose involves the diversion of glory from the only One truly worthy of it. Thus, when we seek to draw attention to ourselves, whether in large or in seemingly insignificant ways, our enemies succeed. Or when we make idols or icons of other human beings, exalting them for appearance, talent, or achievement, our enemies succeed.

If the Lord alone shall be exalted in "that day," we must prayerfully devote ourselves to His singular exaltation in this day. No more blissful peace descends upon our hearts than the sacrifice of fleshly effort to cause others to think well of ourselves, or to tear the down the shrines we build in our hearts to particularly accomplished people. Indeed, when we ponder our own doings or those of others, we do well to remember that human accomplishments depend completely on Divine provision of breath, life, and "the true light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world" (John 1:9). Of course, this does not mean that we cannot respect and affirm those who well use His gifts. But it does mean that we always remember the true Source of all wisdom, knowledge, goodness and production. Such remembrance leads to exalting the Lord Jesus only in this day.

Again, the truth of glorifying God only flows easily from our lips, and the thought may seem pleasant and comfortable to ponder. The outworking thereof nevertheless requires much prayer, and much readiness to put to death any notion, inclination or action that diverts exaltation from the singularly glorious Christ. This day will bring the challenge. May it also bring our overcoming through the power of the Holy Spirit, who Himself seeks in this day to honor and reveal only the Lord Jesus...

"Howbeit when He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth: for He shall not speak of Himself; but whatsoever He shall hear, that shall He speak: and He will show you things to come. He shall glorify Me."
(John 16:13-14)

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