Must Be Lifted Up! (part 3 of 4)

It was of necessity that Jesus be LIFTED UP. This was so we could be saved from our sins. ( John 3:14-15) It was also so we could be drawn to Him ( John 12:31-33), being united together in Him.

Though many were un-accepting of the statements of Who Jesus was and His connection to the Father ( John 8), when questioned further, we read. . .

"(28) So Jesus said to them, 'WHEN YOU HAVE LIFTED UP THE SON OF MAN, then YOU WILL KNOW THAT I AM HE, and that I do nothing on my own authority, but speak just as the Father taught me. (29) And he who sent me is with me. He has not left me alone, for I always do the things that are pleasing to him.' (30) As he was saying these things, many believed in him." ( John 8:28-30 ESV)

Jesus' words seemed to echo those found in Isaiah where we read. . .
"Behold, my servant shall act wisely; HE SHALL BE HIGH AND LIFTED UP, AND SHALL BE EXALTED." ( Isaiah 52:13 ESV)

From the last verses of that chapter in Isaiah we move into what is very clearly a reference to Jesus and His suffering. ( Isaiah 53) When Jesus was lifted up, those who were willing then BELIEVED HIM TO BE WHO HE SAID HE WAS! Immediately following Jesus' death on the cross and witnessing the earthquake and all that took place, the centurion and others with him declared, "TRULY THIS WAS THE SON OF GOD." ( Matthew 27:54)

To TRULY BELIEVE in Who Jesus is will be revealed in having JESUS EXALTED in our life. As the "ONLY SOVEREIGN, the KING of kings and LORD of lords" ( 1 Timothy 6:15), all things are subject to Him. ( Philippians 3:21). Being exalted as LORD OF OUR LIFE, He is to BE OUR LIFE ( Colossians 3:4)

Two days ago we noted the bronze serpent made by Moses. Though it had been associated with saving the people when they had sinned by complaining against God and Moses, it was not to be worshiped. However, some did. Many years later, when King Hezekiah removed the high places, broke the pillars of idolatry, and cut down the Asherah, he also had to break into pieces the bronze serpent Moses had made because the people had begun to worship it. ( 2 Kings 18:4)

Today, we are not to worship the cross, but some do. It is THE LORD JESUS -- Who willing gave Himself to die on it -- Who is to be EXALTED AND WORSHIPED for Who He is and what He has done on our behalf! He is to REIGN ON THE THRONE OF OUR HEART. It must be so or we will find ourselves being drawn away after others or other things. Let us KEEP JESUS LIFTED UP so that others will know we TRULY BELIEVE HE IS LORD OF ALL!

Have a great day EXALTING CHRIST IN OUR LIFE!
Carl

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