Faith without religion.
Understanding the Authority and Temporary Exaltation of Jesus
In the recent episode of “Heart of the Matter,” host Shawn McCraney delves into the profound theological concept of Jesus sitting at the right hand of God, a topic often misunderstood due to various doctrinal influences. The show, dedicated to Tammy and inspired by Brother Kel’s insights, aims to clarify the significance of this phrase and its implications for understanding the relationship between God the Father and Jesus Christ.
McCraney begins by addressing common misconceptions stemming from traditional teachings, particularly regarding the Trinity and the nature of God and Jesus as separate entities. He emphasizes that the phrase “right hand of God” is not about physical proximity but rather signifies authority and power bestowed upon Jesus by God, Yahweh, after His resurrection.
The discussion highlights Psalm 110:1, where King David speaks of the Lord saying to his Lord, “Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.” This passage is pivotal in understanding the temporary nature of Jesus’ exaltation. McCraney explains that the first “LORD” refers to YHWH, the true God, while the second “Lord” refers to Jesus, indicating a hierarchy in authority.
Throughout the episode, various scriptures are referenced to illustrate how God exalted Jesus after His resurrection, granting Him authority over all creation. For instance, in Acts 2, Peter proclaims that God raised Jesus and exalted Him to His right hand, making Him both Lord and Christ. This reinforces the idea that Jesus’ authority is derived from God, not inherent to His nature.
McCraney further explores the implications of Jesus’ exaltation, noting that He is now Lord over everything except God Himself. This is supported by passages in Matthew, Ephesians, and Philippians, which affirm that all authority in heaven and earth has been given to Jesus by God. The host draws parallels between Jesus and Joseph in the Old Testament, illustrating how Joseph was given authority by Pharaoh, yet remained subordinate to him.
The episode concludes with a powerful assertion that the position of Jesus at the right hand of God is ultimately temporary. McCraney references 1 Corinthians 15, which speaks of a future time when Jesus will deliver the kingdom back to God after defeating all enemies, including death. This culminates in the idea that Jesus, having fulfilled His role, will one day be fully subjected to God, who will be all in all.
In summary, this episode of “Heart of the Matter” provides a deep exploration of the theological significance of Jesus sitting at the right hand of God, emphasizing the authority granted to Him by the Father and the temporary nature of this exaltation. It invites viewers to reconsider traditional interpretations and encourages a deeper understanding of the relationship between God and Jesus in the context of Scripture.
