In the Bible, the concept of being exalted is often associated with being lifted up or elevated in a position of honor and glory. **Psalm 46:10** reminds us to “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” This verse emphasizes that God is exalted above all, and as His creations, we are called to acknowledge His supremacy and greatness.
Another powerful verse that highlights the idea of exaltation is found in **Philippians 2:9-11**, which states, “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, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” This passage reveals that Jesus was exalted by God for His obedience and sacrifice, demonstrating the ultimate example of humility leading to exaltation.
As we seek to define exalted in the Bible, we are reminded of the importance of humility and reverence towards God, recognizing His authority and power. By living a life exalted by God, we are called to walk in obedience and surrender to His will, trusting in His wisdom and guidance. Through prayer, worship, and service, we can embrace exaltation in our daily lives, reflecting the love and grace of our exalted Creator.
Understanding the Biblical Concept of Exalted
Understanding the biblical concept of being exalted is essential for every believer. Exaltation in the Bible often refers to being lifted up, honored, or raised to a higher position by God. Let’s explore this concept further through various Bible stories and verses that illustrate what it means to be exalted in the eyes of God.
Joseph’s Exaltation in Egypt
– Joseph’s story in Genesis is a perfect example of someone who was exalted by God. Despite being sold into slavery by his brothers and facing various trials, Joseph remained faithful to God.
– Genesis 41:41-43: “So Pharaoh said to Joseph, ‘I hereby put you in charge of the whole land of Egypt.’ Then Pharaoh took his signet ring from his finger and put it on Joseph’s finger. He dressed him in robes of fine linen and put a gold chain around his neck.”
David’s Exaltation as King
– David was initially a shepherd boy, but God exalted him and made him the king of Israel. He was known as a man after God’s own heart and ruled with wisdom and integrity.
– 2 Samuel 7:16: “Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me; your throne will be established forever.”
Jesus’ Exaltation at the Right Hand of God
– Jesus, the ultimate example of humility, was exalted by God after His resurrection and ascended to heaven to sit at the right hand of the Father.
– Philippians 2:9-11: “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, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
Paul’s Exaltation through Humility
– Paul, once known as Saul, was a persecutor of Christians before encountering Jesus and being transformed. Despite facing immense hardships, Paul was exalted through his humility and devotion to spreading the Gospel.
– Philippians 2:3-4: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”
Our Call to Humble Exaltation
– As believers, we are called to humble ourselves before God, trusting in His timing and plan for our lives. When we exalt God above all else, He lifts us up in due time.
– James 4:10: “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.”
In conclusion, the biblical concept of being exalted is not about seeking glory or praise for ourselves but rather about surrendering to God’s will and allowing Him to lift us up in His perfect way and timing. Let us strive to emulate the examples of exaltation we see in the Bible, seeking to honor God above all else.
Exploring the Symbolism and Meaning of Exaltation in the Bible
Exaltation in the Bible is often a symbol of honor, glory, and power. It represents a state of being lifted up or elevated above others, often by God Himself. Throughout the Bible, we see various examples of exaltation and its significance in the lives of individuals. Let’s explore the symbolism and meaning of exaltation in the Bible through different stories and verses.
1. **Joseph’s Exaltation in Egypt**
– Joseph’s story in the book of Genesis is a powerful example of exaltation. Despite being sold into slavery by his brothers, Joseph remained faithful to God, eventually rising to a position of power in Egypt. His exaltation from a prisoner to the second-in-command in Egypt symbolizes God’s favor and sovereignty.
– **Genesis 41:40-41 (NIV)**
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“You shall be in charge of my palace, and all my people are to submit to your orders. Only with respect to the throne will I be greater than you.”
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So Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I hereby put you in charge of the whole land of Egypt.”
2. **Jesus’ Exaltation to the Right Hand of God**
– The ultimate example of exaltation in the Bible is Jesus Christ. After His death and resurrection, Jesus was exalted to the right hand of God, where He now reigns in glory and power. This exaltation symbolizes His victory over sin and death and His eternal reign as King of Kings.
– **Philippians 2:9-11 (NIV)**
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Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name,
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that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
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and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
3. **David’s Exaltation to Kingship**
– David, the shepherd boy who became King of Israel, experienced exaltation through God’s anointing and favor. Despite facing many challenges and enemies, David’s faithfulness and obedience led to his exaltation as a leader and warrior. His reign symbolizes God’s faithfulness to His promises.
– **Psalm 18:43-46 (NIV)**
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You have delivered me from the attacks of the people; you have made me the head of nations. People I did not know now serve me,
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foreigners cower before me; as soon as they hear of me, they obey me.
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They all lose heart; they come trembling from their strongholds.
4. **Esther’s Exalted Position**
– The story of Esther in the Bible is another example of exaltation. Esther, a Jewish girl who became Queen of Persia, was placed in a position of influence and power by God to save her people from destruction. Her exaltation symbolizes God’s providence and protection.
– **Esther 2:17 (NIV)**
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Now the king was attracted to Esther more than to any of the other women, and she won his favor and approval more than any of the other virgins. So he set a royal crown on her head and made her queen instead of Vashti.
5. **The Humble Will be Exalted**
– In the Bible, we also learn that those who humble themselves before God will be exalted in due time. This principle is seen throughout Scripture, where God lifts up the lowly and those who trust in Him. Exaltation is often a reward for humility and faithfulness.
– **James 4:10 (NIV)**
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Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.
– **Luke 14:11 (NIV)**
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For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.
In conclusion, the symbolism and meaning of exaltation in the Bible go beyond mere earthly success or recognition. Exaltation represents God’s favor, sovereignty, and faithfulness to His people. Whether through Joseph, Jesus, David, Esther, or the humble, exaltation in the Bible reflects the power and glory of God working in the lives of His children. May we seek to exalt God in all that we do, knowing that He alone is worthy of all honor And praise.
Implications of Living a Life Exalted by God
Living a life exalted by God comes with profound implications that impact every aspect of our existence. As we journey through the pages of the Bible, we encounter stories of individuals who have experienced the transformative power of God’s exaltation in their lives.
1. Divine Protection
When we choose to live a life exalted by God, we can trust in His divine protection. Just like how God protected Daniel in the lion’s den (Daniel 6:22), we can take refuge in the knowledge that God is our shield and our fortress (Psalm 91:2). His angels encamp around those who fear Him and deliver them from all their troubles (Psalm 34:7).
2. Divine Provision
God’s exaltation also brings with it divine provision. In the story of Elijah and the widow at Zarephath (1 Kings 17:10-16), we see how God miraculously provided for their needs, despite the dire circumstances. When we prioritize seeking God’s kingdom and His righteousness, all these things will be added unto us (Matthew 6:33).
3. Divine Guidance
Living a life exalted by God means walking in His divine guidance. Just as the Lord led the Israelites through the wilderness with a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night (Exodus 13:21), He will also guide us along the path of righteousness for His name’s sake (Psalm 23:3).
4. Divine Favor
Those who choose to live a life exalted by God will experience His divine favor. Joseph’s story in Genesis 39:2-6 is a powerful example of how God’s favor can elevate us even in the midst of adversity. When we delight ourselves in the Lord, He will give us the desires of our hearts (Psalm 37:4).
5. Divine Purpose
Lastly, living a life exalted by God means walking in His divine purpose for our lives. Esther’s courageous obedience in the face of danger (Esther 4:14) demonstrates how God exalts us for such a time as this. He has plans to prosper us and not to harm us, plans to give us hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11).
In conclusion, the are vast and profound. As we align ourselves with His will and His ways, we can rest assured that His divine protection, provision, guidance, favor, and purpose will be evident in every area of our lives. Let us strive to live a life that brings glory and honor to the One who exalts us beyond measure.
Practical Ways to Embrace Exaltation in Daily Life
Exaltation in daily life may seem like a lofty goal, but as Christians, we are called to live in a way that reflects the glory and majesty of God. By following the examples set forth in the Bible and embracing practical ways to exalt God in our daily lives, we can experience a deeper sense of peace, joy, and fulfillment.
1. Cultivate a Heart of Gratitude
Gratitude is a powerful way to exalt God in our daily lives. When we take the time to thank God for His blessings, both big and small, we are acknowledging His goodness and faithfulness. In the book of Psalms, King David often expresses his gratitude to God:
Psalms 107:1 – “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.”
Psalms 100:4 – “Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name.”
2. Serve Others with Love
Another practical way to exalt God in our daily lives is to serve others with love and compassion. Jesus exemplified this perfectly during His time on earth, teaching us to love our neighbors as ourselves. In the book of Mark, Jesus reminds us of the importance of serving others:
Mark 10:45 – “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”
1 Peter 4:10 – “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”
3. Seek God in Prayer and Worship
Prayer and worship are essential components of exalting God in our daily lives. By spending time in His presence, we can draw near to Him and experience His peace and joy. In the book of Philippians, the apostle Paul encourages us to seek God in prayer:
Philippians 4:6 – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
John 4:23-24 – “Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks.”
4. Walk in Obedience to God’s Word
Walking in obedience to God’s Word is a practical way to exalt Him in our daily lives. When we align our actions with His teachings and commands, we are demonstrating our love and reverence for Him. In the book of James, we are reminded of the importance of obeying God’s Word:
James 1:22 – “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”
John 14:15 – “If you love me, keep my commands.”
5. Share the Gospel with Boldness
Finally, sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with others is a powerful way to exalt God in our daily lives. By proclaiming His name and inviting others to know Him, we are fulfilling the Great Commission and bringing glory to His name. In the book of Matthew, Jesus commands us to go and make disciples of all nations:
Matthew 28:19-20 – “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Acts 1:8 – “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
In conclusion, the concept of exalted in the Bible conveys a sense of reverence, awe, and majesty. From the exalted position of God to the exalted nature of His creation, this term reminds us of the power, sovereignty, and glory of the divine. As we seek to understand and apply the teachings of the Bible in our lives, may we always strive to exalt the name of the Lord in all that we do. Remember, the exalted one is worthy of our adoration and praise. So let us continue to exalt Him in the highest and honor Him with our words and actions.