… far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked,
Summary: Paul’s reference to Jesus’ position of authority is a good place to stop and reflect on Jesus’ love and concern for his Creation.
Where is Jesus?
I mean, where is he right now?
Paul tells us where he is, and it sounds like Jesus is far away. He is far above “all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked.” That sounds like it must be way out there.
But wait!
Paul is not talking about physical distance, is he? He is speaking about Jesus’ position of authority.
When we talk about power and authority, we generally speak in terms of “higher” and “lower.” Our Supreme Court is considered the “highest” court in the land. The laws Congress makes for the country as a whole are considered a higher authority than the rulings of a local city council.
In ancient times, when Solomon was king over Israel, he was considered the highest authority in all the land. He was subject only to God. To make this point clear to all his subjects, his throne was higher than everyone around him. The Old Testament describes it this way:
“Then the king made a great throne covered with ivory and overlaid with fine gold. The throne had six steps, and its back had a rounded top. On both sides of the seat were armrests, with a lion standing beside each of them. Twelve lions stood on the six steps, one at either end of each step. Nothing like it had ever been made for any other kingdom.” (1 Kings 10: 18-20)
The physical elevation of Solomon’s throne symbolizes the position of his authority. He is clearly above everyone else. The steps to Solomon’s throne are also a metaphor for advancement. When we get a promotion with more authority, we are said to be “stepping up” into a “higher position.”
American courtrooms are very similar. The judge’s desk is elevated above the proceedings. Attorneys that approach the bench are physically required to look up to the judge as a reminder of their position in the court.
When we consider God’s authority, it is natural to think of God as being “far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked.” Yet it is also important to remember that God is nearby.
Jesus says, “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care.” (Matthew 10:29)* He goes on to say, “And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.”
Jesus and the Father are One (John 10:30). With only a few exceptions,** what the Father knows, Jesus knows.
So even though Jesus’ authority places him “far above,” what he said to his disciples is still true for us: “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” (Matthew 18:20)
Application: No matter how important Jesus is, you are more important to him. (He gave it all up for you!)
Food for Thought: What does Paul mean by “every name that is invoked”?
*I had never noticed this before but Luke 12:6 says that five sparrows are sold for two pennies. That means that merchants had quantity discounts even in Jesus’ day!
**Matthew 24:36 and Mark 13:32 tell us the one thing that Jesus doesn’t know.
There is no name greater than Jesus because there is no name greater than God, and Jesus is God. And every knee will bow to Him as Lord (Philippians 2: 9 – 11). He is Savior and there is no other name to call upon for Salvation (Acts 4: 12). He is Supreme over all creation as He created everything and sustains everything (Colossians 1: 15 – 17).
Thank you, Rich!
It is comforting to know without doubt that Jesus is the highest authority there is.
Amen, R. Jeff, food for thought…In reference to the one thing that Jesus does not know…It’s clear to me that He did not know the day nor the hour of His return…before He ascended to the right hand of the Father. Does He know it now? 🤔
JEC,
Always good to hear from you, brother!! You ask an interesting question! All I can say is that you will have to ask Him.
Only Jesus knows whether he knows. 🙂
What does Paul mean by “every name that is invoked”?
“It’s tough being a spiritual being having a physical experience.”
We have Solomon who was the wisest, richest man in history, separated himself from his people and is viewed as the most influential person in History. Men read of His wealth, properties, wives, and foolishly believe to become like Solomon would be the ultimate achievement. Yet all Solomon possessed is in ruin and his body has decayed long ago. Today He is simply a historical person we all tell stories about.
Now let’s look at God, who chose to be born into this physical world as Jesus Christ in poverty, came to serve others rather than be served, quietly walked among His people and taught truth rather than separating Himself, owned everything yet humbly claimed no physical thing as belonging to Him. Gave His life that we may have life and today lives continuing to serve as He sits at the right hand of God.
It is impossible to believe fully in Christ, believe all He is, and accept the hope of eternal life upon His righteousness. Only the almighty power of the Holy Spirit will give us this faith. He alone can give us the faith to know Christ is our Savior, who supplies all the necessities to those who trust in Him, and gives them all blessings in the richest abundance. Having Christ Himself, we are filled with the fulness of grace and find our glory in Him.
Christ is a member of our Triune God, John 1:1-14. The Name of Jesus Christ is the Greatest of all names. Accept Him and have eternal life, reject Him and have eternal separation from God.
Ron,
I like the way you contrast Solomon’s achievements and Jesus’ achievements. Very interesting!
Application: No matter how important Jesus is, you are more important to him. (He gave it all up for you!)
You could say that Jesus thinks I’m to die for.
Nice!!
Yes, you could say that. And you’d be right! 🙂
🌟 🌟 🌟