Jesus In the Now

[Meditation Moment]

Meditation Moment #89
May-01-2002
http://www.bbc-cortland.org/medmoment/

One of the odd features of church planning has to do with the absence of two significant holidays. In saying that, I should hasten to tell you that I am not interested in establishing the kind of tight liturgical calendar that is found in some religious circles. However, because God Himself demonstrated through the people of Israel the importance of the calendar as a reminder of spiritual truths, I believe that we should take a long look at the calendar of the church. In this article, I would especially like to focus on the first of those two ignored holidays.

Let me begin by pointing out that, as we establish our calendars now we spend weeks preparing to celebrate the Incarnation of Jesus Christ in the Christmas season. Ironically, the time of our celebration is most likely far removed from the actual time of the event. After Christmas we spend a few days getting ready to memorialize the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. After that our eyes turn toward summer, forgetting that thirty-nine days after Easter Sunday there was an event in history that has striking impact on the life of each person who knows Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior. 

That event is described in Acts 1:1-11. It is the ascension of the resurrected Jesus into heaven. The significance of that event has to do with the fact that Jesus is presently engaged in active ministry on behalf of His church and in preparation for His kingdom. Because we do not stress this event in our thinking we tend to treat the activity of Christ as past (Calvary) and future (return) but not as present. Yet, the Word of God actually says more about what Jesus is doing now that it says about His birth. And, the Word of God stresses that what Jesus did in His death and resurrection was foundational for his present activity.

What is Jesus doing now? The answer to that question is found in Hebrews 10:12-13. "But this man [Jesus], after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; from henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool." The word "expecting" means to anticipate a time when a person will receive something. Thus, we may understand that Jesus is in a state of waiting.

Waiting? I suppose that thought is not especially exciting at first glance. That is because we do not take time to consider the character of Jesus' waiting.

In the eternal program of God there are at least three times of waiting in the career of Jesus Christ. The first was the time of waiting until His incarnation. Galatians 4:4 tells us that the event in which God the Son became a human being happened "in the fullness of time" or, if you will, at precisely the right moment. The second period of waiting involved the years between Jesus' incarnation and the time in which he would drink to the bottom the cup of Calvary. This waiting period is especially emphasized in the Gospel of John where Jesus frequently refers to his approaching "hour" and where John stresses that Jesus came to "finish" an assignment. If you look at those two waiting periods carefully you will find that neither involved a spirit of idleness. That is important to understand, because it sheds light on Jesus present time of anticipation.

The Scripture indicates that our Savior in heaven can be seen in one of two postures. Our text, Hebrews 10:12-13, finds him sitting at God's right hand. He sits because, as our High Priest, he has totally fulfilled his duties in providing the sacrifice for our sins. There is nothing more for Him to do. He has done it all and he has done it all completely. His job is done. The price for our salvation is paid. However, we must not miss the impact of the fact that he is still waiting for his footstool. Of course, the reference is to the oriental custom of a conquering king making his conquered enemies bow before him so that he can put his foot on them as evidence of his total triumph. However, the use of the word "footstool" must not be overlooked. While Jesus is sitting as our High Priest, he is not lounging with his feet up. 

The fact that Jesus is not waiting in a Lay-Z-boy is fleshed out for us in an event described in Acts 7. There, Stephen has preached a dynamic and convicting message. The congregation is in a rage. They have stoning on their mind. This man is about to be hauled outside and brutally murdered. But, at the very end of his message, Stephen is given a glimpse of heaven. Listen to what he says: "Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God" (Acts 7:56) Do you catch anything interesting in that remark? Stephen sees Jesus "standing." Some have suggested from this glimpse that, while in his High Priestly role Jesus sits, but when he acts as our intercessor he stands. I believe that is correct. Standing implies personal interest and involvement. As Stephen was about to be escorted into eternity Jesus stood to be with him through the passage. 

Building on that perspective we remember that Jesus functions now in four active roles. He is our Priest, He is our Intercessor (Romans 8:33-39), He is our Advocate (1 John 2:1-2), He is our Mediator (1 Timothy 2:5) and He is the preparer of our future home (John 14:1-6). And, focusing on His standing role as our Intercessor, He is part of a total picture in which we also serve as intercessors (1 Timothy 2:1) and the Holy Spirit intercedes with regard to those prayers that we cannot verbalize (Romans 8:26-27). 

In light of the ongoing intense activity of our Savior I would strongly recommend a revival of Ascension Day as an important feature of our yearly remembrances. I would also recommend a regular reading of John 14-17, Romans 8, and the entire book of Hebrews. Each of these especially stress the importance of Jesus' present role. But, more than that, I would urgently invite you to consider if you are a recipient of Jesus High Priestly and Intercessory ministry. To be sure of that you must look to His finished work on Calvary. Have you personally and deliberately received Him as your sin bearer? If you have, then I would encourage you to become more intimately aware of the implications involved in Jesus' present, personal ministry on your behalf.

We would be glad to interact with you on these truths. Please feel free to be with us.

Pastor Comings





Pastor Comings
pastor@bbc-cortland.org