THE FATHER'S VIEW OF THE SON #4

"Sit On My Right Hand"

"But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool?" -- Hebrews 1:13 The "right hand" of God is of especial significance. The term itself is used to acquaint us with aspects of God that can be known by the redeemed. His "right hand" introduces us to favor andblessing, as well as authority and purpose.

The overthrow of enemies is associated with His right hand. "Thy right hand, O LORD, is become glorious in power: thy right hand, O LORD, hath dashed in pieces the enemy" (Ex 15:6,12). Satisfying pleasures are also related to God's right hand. "Thou wilt make known to me the path of life; In Thy presence is fulness of joy; In Thy right hand there are pleasures forever" (Psa16:11, NASB). Salvation through loving-kindness is also tied to the right hand of God. "Wondrouslyshow thy steadfast love, O savior of those who seek refuge from their adversaries at thy right hand"(Psa 17:7, RSV; 44:3).

The right hand of our God is related to upholding and protection. "Thy right hand upholdsme; And Thy gentleness makes me great" (Psa 18:25, NASB). Here is a place of Divine activity! Theenemies of God are subdued, and the people of God are blessed from this position. Tutelage and satisfaction are ministered from here.

The Spirit proclaims that Jesus has been exalted to this position--the right hand of God. He is now "sitting on the right hand of power" (Matt 26:64). In the concluding words of His Gospel, Mark declared, "So then, when the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God" (Mark 16:19). Peter proclaimed this truth on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:33,34). He continued declaring it in succeeding announcements of the Gospel (Acts 5:31). When dying at the hands of his fellow-Israelites, Stephen said He saw Jesus standing at God's right hand (Acts 7:55-56). Paul proclaimed Christ's exaltation to that position (Rom 8:34; Eph 1:20; Col 3:1). The book of Hebrews repeatedly refers to this truth (Heb 1:3,13; 8:1; 10:12; 12:2). Peter mentions it in his first epistle (1 Pet 3:22).

Our text asks if there has ever been an angel seated at the right hand of the "majesty in the heavens." Indeed, there has not! Lofty heavenly spirits are around the heavenly throne. They are so described in the book of Job (Job 1:6-8; 2:1-3). Isaiah saw six-winged Seraphim in the proximity of God's throne (Isa 6:2ff). Zechariah saw Joshua the high priest standing before a mighty angel, in the very throne room of God (Zech 3:1-5). Who can forget the powerful presence of angels depicted in the book of the Revelation (Rev 7:11). Yet, none of the angels wre directed to sit on the right hand of the "majesty in the heavens."

Jesus is superior to angels because He currently is seated at the right hand of God! What is the significance of that circumstance? Our Savior is the exclusive means through which the grace, or favor, of God is experienced. He has the sole power to guide, feed, strengthen, and illuminate. He alone can give righteousness, peace, and joy. The Holy Spirit Himself ministers to us in the behalf of Christ. Salvation in its entirety is administered by Him. He is the One that has charge of writing God's law upon our hearts and putting it into our minds. The fruit of the Spirit is under His government, as well as placement in the body of Christ. No angel has ever been given such responsibilities! The Son of God is superior to angels! If the cry goes out in heaven, "Let all the angels of God worship Him," what of those on earth. Let there be recognition among all professed believers of the greatness of Christ's Person!

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