Author: icbc

Introduction

This piece of writing discusses the Psalmist´s conception of man´s relationship with God and the creation as pertains to his position and authority. The Psalmist´s question of “What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?” is discussed with reference to scriptures.

What is Man?

Man (i.e. both male and female) was created by God to take care of their ambiance or environment. This environment consists of all things- both living and non-living that exist. In the creation account, Moses writes that:

“And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth” (Gen 1:26).

It is true that David has the above scripture in mind when he wrote that:

“What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honor. Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet: All sheep and oxen, yea, and the beasts of the field; The fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea, and whatsoever passeth through the paths of the seas” (Psa 8:4-8).

The authority and the power conferred on man is so great to the extent that the whole universe is under him. However, man, in his insignificance and smallness, a greater glory has been bestowed on him, and he is endowed with the highest dignity.

A Little Lower than Angels

Paul applies the scripture in Psalms chapter 8 to Christ Jesus. He writes that:

“Thou madest him a little lower than the angels; thou crownedst him with glory and honor, and didst set him over the works of thy hands: But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honor; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man” (Heb 2:7-9).

It is here understood that the language Paul used finds its fulfillment only in the final exaltation of Christ’s human nature. Jesus was made a little lower than Angels because He was given a restricting tabernacle, that is His body that was given Him at His incarnation. This body is subject to pain, suffering, and death, but Angels are more glorious by virtue of their being immaterial and powerful. However, when Jesus resurrected, He was given back His glory (Joh 17:5) because He could no longer be restrained by His human body (Joh 20:19).

There is no limit to the “all things” mentioned, for God has put all things under Christ. Peter indicates that all things, including principalities and powers, have been put under the feet of Christ Jesus. They have been made subject to the Lord of Lords (1Pe 3:22).

In order of dignity and honor, man was placed next to the angels, and a little lower than them. This was accomplished in the life of Christ Jesus because He was made a little lower than the angels by the suffering he endured. Man, in the Garden of Eden, had the full command of all creatures (Psalms commentary: The treasury of David).

Jesus Christ, who, being in the form of God, and equal with God, in a moment, emptied Himself and made Himself of no reputation. It was by reason of this that He has been highly exalted, and given a name that is above all names (Php 2:6-9).

Conclusion

Jesus, having been born of a woman, was made a little lower than Angels in power and glory. But when He laid down His body down and took on a new and a glorifying body at His resurrection, He received back the glory that he had before His incarnation.

Prayer: May the Lord God enlighten us to comprehend our new position in Him so that we would be able to take authority over those things which entangle us. In the name of Christ Jesus, our Lord. AMEN!

Introduction

This edition of our Newsletter continues to discuss the prophecies presented in the book of Psalms about the Messiah, the Savior of the world. Jesus as the begotten Son of the Father revealed in the book of Psalms, is discussed.

Divine Decree of Sonship

 “I will declare the decree of Jehovah. He has said to Me, You are My Son; today I have begotten You. Ask of Me, and I shall give the nations for Your inheritance; and the uttermost parts of the earth for Your possession” (Psa 2:7-8).

The first truth to be understood from the above scripture is that the “My Son” does not refer to any creature or man other than the Christ. On this note, Paul argues “For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son?” (Heb 1:5, 13).

In God´s declaration of Jesus as the Son, a reference was made to a specific day. However, this sonship was announced many times before the death of Christ. When Jesus had been baptized and had come out of the water, the heavens opened and the Spirit of God descending upon Him, a voice came from heaven, saying, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Mat 3:16-17).

Also, at the time of His transfiguration, it is written that when a bright light overshadowed the disciples, a voice was heard in the cloud, saying, ” This is My beloved Son in whom I am well pleased, hear Him”. This voice put the disciples on their knees as they were greatly terrified (Mat 17:5-7).

It has been recorded again, that, when all things written about Jesus concerning His death were fulfilled, He was taken down for burial but God raised Him again from the dead. He thus walked among people for many days. It is added that the gospel that was preached was the promise that was made to their fathers but has been fulfilled to the children. That is, raising Jesus, as written in the book of Psalms “You are My Son, this day I have begotten You” (Acts 13:29-33).

From the above paragraph, the reference to “this day”, does not refer to the day Christ Jesus was born but the day He was raised from the dead. Paul intimates that the gospel of God was promised to the early fathers through the Prophets as revealed in the Holy Scriptures, and this promise was about His Son, Christ Jesus, our Lord, who was marked out the Son of God according to the mighty power of God, and the Spirit of Holiness by the resurrection from the dead (Rom 1:3-4). Paul reiterates that as Aaron was, so also Christ did not glorify Himself to be a High Priest but the one who said to Him “You are My Son, today I have begotten You” (Heb 5:4-5).

The election of Aaron as a High Priest was based on the budding of his rod (Num 17:1-11). It was this budding of Aaron´s rod that silenced the mouths of his enemies. Similarly, the resurrection of Christ quieted His adversaries who doubted the resurrection of the dead (Acts 23:8) and that established His authority as a Son.

Conclusion

The resurrection of Christ Jesus from the dead sealed His sonship as the only begotten Son of God. Jesus was acknowledged and declared the Son by virtue of His victory over sin and death. Therefore, God says to Him” You are My Son, today I have begotten You” (Psa 2:7). “Today” refers to that day that Christ completed divine assignment.

Prayer:

May the Lord God of heaven and the earth accept you to be His own as He gives you the grace to realize your mission on earth. In the name of Christ Jesus, our Lord.