The exaltation of Christ part 2

Encourage people to have Isaiah 45 open (page number in church bible?)

Pray

Dramatic events demands a dramatic response

At 4am 16th July 2019 hearing wifes voice saying her waters had broken - was time for action

3rd September 1939 Neville Chamberlain

“This morning the British Ambassador in Berlin handed the German Government a final Note stating that, unless we heard from them by 11 o'clock that they were prepared at once to withdraw their troops from Poland, a state of war would exist between us.

I have to tell you now that no such undertaking has been received, and that consequently this country is at war with Germany.”

Last week celebrated Easter, and ressurection of Jesus, and the life that he offers those who believe.

Philippians 2:9-11 records dramatic events past, and future. Ressurection of Jesus and crowning of Jesus as LORD.

Demands a response -

Bow the knee to King Jesus!

The ressurection of Jesus is begginning of this glorious exaltation of Jesus to his rightful place. A journey that he continued 40 days later as he ascended into heaven to sit at his Fathers right hand where he is ruling and reigning. And this exaltation of Jesus changes everything.

It means that there is no power struggle for ultimate rule in the universe. Kings come and go. Rulers rise and fall, but there is one who rules above all. Who is sovereign over all, and who demands our worship.

Philippians 2:9–10 NIV

Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

Every knee should bow? Why? What puts this King above the rest? in a world where people worship all kinds of deities, what makes Jesus claim greater? Words would have sounded very familiar to first century Jewish converts. Some think Paul is even quoting Isaiah 45, which is most straight forward and forceful statement of God’s soverign rule over history and over salvation.

Isaiah is a prophecy of warning and hope. Warning against the corruption of God’s people, which will lead to judgment in form of invasion from surrounding nations and Exile, but hope that God would send a Ruler in the line of David. in last 6 chapters prophecy about what will happen in the exile - of God’s soveriegn control in world events to bring about rescue to his people . Even the raising up of a pagan King Cyrus, who wasn’t even around at time of it’s writing, but who God would use to show world that he is the one true God. In Isaiah 45 repeated refrain - God’s declaration that he is the soverign Lord

Let me read some verses from Isaiah 45.

READ v 3, v5, v6, v7, 14, 21

And also repeated is refrain that he creator.

Read v8, 11, 12, 18

And the events that unfolded were demonstration of all claims God made in this prophecy given to Isaiah.

Undercover boss

- CEO of company would go in disguise to join every day operation. Walk along side every day employees seeing the best and the worst, without them realising. at end would reveal themself, and shock. tear jerking kindess or just judgement.

Jesus like ultimate undercover boss

Ressurection and ascension of Jesus is demonstration that is this God, this LORD - one of ultimate authority. That he is the LORD and there is no other God beside him. He is almighty, creator, sustainer and ruler of all things.

Colossians 1:15–20 NIV

The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.

And this statement in Philippians 2:9-11 is one of present but also of future. One day he will return in Glory and his rule will be undeniable. It’s a reality that demands our attention and our response. Because with it comes a call for allegience.

When new ruler comes to power, face choice - submit or rebel.

Reality is this. Ressurection and ascension of Jesus makes clear. Jesus is King. Eternal and Almighty. His rule will not end. And everyone will see it. No one will be able to deny it v10.

told v10 in heaven - angels, the risen, on earht, every human, under the earth, even the dead and the demonic.

One day every tongue will confess he is LORD and one day every knee will bow.

So what will our response be.

On that day every believing heart will at top of their lungs in voice and song, praising him with the angels for all eternity. A vast multitude beyong count. Those who have suffered for their faith, those who have face trials and tribulation. Those who the world laughed and scorned and shamed will recieve their vindication and reward. Those who have been washed clean by his blood. We will experience the victory of Jesus, and life with him forever.

And on that day for every unbelieving heart it will be a terrible day. Every unbelieving heart will to confess he is LORD, but in dismal submission and despair, facing eterntiy with his wrath. And amoungst them will be Satan and his minions, there is no rule for him. He too will face the righteous wrath of the victorious Kind.

Gladiator :

Brothers, what we do in life… echoes in eternity

Sense of truth. How we respond to Jesus now, matters for all eternity. When he returns it will be too late. But the glorious message of Easter is that this glorious King gave up his throne for a time to come and rescue rebels. In his death, ressurection and assencion his has provided all that is needed to make us citizens, we simply have to trust him and submit to him.

Isaiah 45.

v17, v22, v24, v25.

Will we bow to the King or live in rebellion against the King?

Isaish passage is full of warnings and highlights foolishness of rebellion.

READ

v9, v16, v20, v24.

Are there areas of our lives where we are making or trusting idols? Things we let have to higher place. Things that we know compete with Jesus for the crown. Maybe there is part of our life we are unwilling to let Jesus be LORD. Do you need to hand over the crown this morning?

Hebrews 3:7–8 (NIV)

So, as the Holy Spirit says:

“Today, if you hear his voice,

do not harden your hearts

Most dramatic events world has ever seen demands most dramatic response. Will we bow the knee to the ressurected King. It’s a call to dependence - trusting him for the new life we need. It’s also a call to war - to wage war on sin, with promise of victory by power of the Spirit.

Bow the knee to the King

the one who made us, knows us, loves us, and works all things for our good of those who love him. Will we bow in worship . Every day will we reflect on his Kingship and praise him for his power, his glorious works in creation and in salvation.