The place of highest honor ∙∙

The place of highest honor ∙∙

God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names. – Philippians 2:9

Colossians 1:15-22

 15 Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation,

 16 for through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can’t see – such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world. Everything was created through him and for him.

 17 He existed before anything else, and he holds all creation together.

 19 For God in all his fullness was pleased to live in Christ,

 20 and through him God reconciled everything to himself. He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth using Christ’s blood on the cross.

The president of the United States has the privilege of recognizing those considered the “best of the best” civilians in America.

The concept of conferring The Presidential Medal of Freedom, which is the highest civilian honor in the United States, was initiated by President John F. Kennedy in 1963. This award recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the security or national interests of the country, as well as to global peace, cultural achievements, or other notable public or private endeavors.

Typically the medal is bestowed upon the recipient by the sitting president who has chosen them. Between 1963 and 2021, more than 550 civilians have been so honored. Two people, Ellsworth Bunker and Colin Powell, were two-time recipients.

The award symbolizes that anyone, regardless of origin or standing in society, can live out the highest, most noble ideals. In doing so, they inspire others to do likewise.

Does the Lord Jesus Christ deserve the place of highest honor and devotion? Would His meritorious contributions to humanity, world peace, cultural, or other significant endeavors warrant it? If an American president existed during the first century, would they have bestowed The Presidential Medal of Freedom upon Him? In all honesty, it would matter who the President was.

But in fact, the question is irrelevant. Because the Most High God, the highest existing authority, has already granted Him the place of highest honor. The Father has proclaimed for all eternity that the name of the Lord Jesus Christ is above all other names. In the act of total submission to the Father and total dedication to the eternal salvation of the human race, the Lord Jesus Christ chose to die for the sins of the world. He achieved reconciliation between the holy, pure, and righteous Father and sinful, fallen, tainted humanity. He established peace between heaven and earth.

He demonstrated the accuracy and efficacy of His teaching for all to follow.

Luke 14:11 Those who humble themselves will be exalted.

REFLECT & PRAY

2 Corinthians 8:9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that although he was rich, he became poor for your sakes so that you by his poverty could become rich.

Father strengthen me to give and maintain the Lord Jesus Christ, the place of highest honor in my life.

INSIGHT

Frequently, the worth of a gift is determined by its origin rather than its price. This is why individuals often hold heirlooms passed down to them by beloved family members in high regard, as these objects possess a significant sentimental value that transcends their monetary value.

Measuring the value of eternal life, forgiveness, unconditional acceptance, and adoption into the Father’s Forever Family is impossible. These gifts have been freely bestowed upon all who believe in the Son of God, who is the visible representation of the invisible God. Through His Son, the Father has revealed Himself to humanity.

Colossians 2:9 For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body.

Hebrews 1:3 He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power. When He had made purification of sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,

2 Corinthians 4:4 Christ, who is the exact likeness of God.

Regarding the work of redemption, as far as the Father and the Son are concerned, “It is finished.” All that was needed has been done and made ready and available to all who accept it. If the Christian faith were summed up with one word, it would be the word DONE. If all of the other religions in the world were summed up with one word, it would be DO (Greg Laurie).

All that children of the King receive from the Father is freely given. We do not work for nor do we earn it. It is all grace.

The 1964 Winter Olympics were held in Innsbruck, Austria. The British two-man bobsled team finished their first run and were in second place. They realized a bolt had broken as they prepared for their second run. Without it, they would be disqualified and out of the competition.

Eugenio Monti of Italy, one of the most successful athletes in winter sports, with ten world championships and 6 Olympic medals, became aware of the problem. He lent Team Britain a bolt from off his sled. The British team fixed their sled and went on to win the gold medal. Team Italy finished third.

It was an incredible gesture of unselfishness and the best-known performance of Monti’s sporting career. When queried, Eugenio Monti replied, “Nash didn’t win because I gave him the bolt. He won because he had the fastest run.”

Monti was honored with the De Coubertin Medal for Sportsmanship by the International Olympic Committee, becoming its first recipient, due to his generous and selfless action. The committee bestows this award upon athletes who exhibit a genuine spirit of sportsmanship, and it is considered the ultimate honor among Olympians. The path to achieving this recognition does not involve any specific training regimen but rather stems from cultivating strong personal values and making good decisions in one’s life.

Despite being God, the Lord Jesus Christ did not view equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, He voluntarily relinquished His divine privileges and took on the form of a human, choosing to serve in a position of humility as a slave. He further humbled Himself by submitting entirely to the will of the Father, ultimately suffering a criminal’s death. As a result of His sacrificial act, the Father exalted Him to the highest position of honor and bestowed upon Him a name above all other names.

The Lord Jesus Christ received recognition and the applause of heaven. He showed the way for all children of the King. Those who humble themselves will be exalted (Luke 14:11).

¯\_(ツ)_/¯ 3-2-1

© Dr. H 2023