27 May Christ’s Coronation and Intercession
Last Sunday, Pastor Jeremy Chasteen began our new series: “The Exalted Christ,” with a sermon from Acts 2:32-41, where Peter first preaches the gospel of the risen Christ. Jeremy encouraged us to know with certainty that this risen Jesus is the exalted Christ.
Read: Hebrews 4:14-16
This Sunday, Pastor Ken Lewis will preach from Hebrews 4:14-16 and will exhort us to hold fast our confession of Christ and draw near to his throne of grace, because Christ is our great High Priest. As you prepare for our corporate gathering, let this devotional from John MacArthur spur you on toward this very end.
Reflect: “Christ’s Coronation and Intercession”
“God highly exalted Him.”
Philippians 2:9
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Christ is the Sovereign of the universe and a faithful High Priest.
Christ was exalted not only in His resurrection and ascension, but also in His coronation. Mark 16:19 says, “When the Lord Jesus had spoken to [the apostles], He was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God.” In Scripture the right hand is a symbol of power and authority. What is the extent of Christ’s authority? Ephesians 1:20–22 says, “[God] seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age, but also in the one to come. And He put all things in subjection under His feet, and gave Him as head over all things to the church.” Christ is the Sovereign of the universe.
Besides His coronation, Christ is exalted in His intercession for believers. He stands before the Father as the High Priest of His people. His first act was to send the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:33). Our sympathetic High Priest “has been tempted in all things as we are” (Heb. 4:15), and “He is able to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for [us]” (7:25). Christ’s intercessory work grants us faith, repentance, and forgiveness (see Heb. 4–9).
Puritan minister Thomas Watson said, “Had you a friend at court, who, when you were questioned for delinquency or debt, should plead with the judge for you, and bring you off your troubles, would you not love that friend? How often does Satan put in his bills against us in the court! Now Christ is at the judge’s hand; he sits at his Father’s right hand, ever to plead for us, and to make our peace with God. Oh, how should our hearts be fired with love to Christ!”
How intense is your love for Jesus Christ, our faithful Advocate?
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Suggestions for Prayer: “Draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, that [you] may receive mercy and may find grace to help in time of need” (Heb. 4:16). Pray for a fresh appreciation of this today.
For Further Study: What do 2 Corinthians 5:21 and Hebrews 2:17 say about Christ as our High Priest?
“Christ’s Coronation and Intercession,” December 15th Devotional, in Strength for Today, by John MacArthur
Sing: Song List for Sunday
1. “The Veil Was Torn,” by Crosspoint Music
2. “Jesus, Your Mercy,” by Sovereign Grace Music
3. “Before the Throne,” Arr. Shane & Shane