Christ's Ascension: Gifts, Glory, and Our Eternal Rest
Summary
### Summary
In Psalm 68, the psalmist celebrates God's ascension to His throne at Mount Zion, highlighting His victory over earthly kings and His receipt of tribute from them. This imagery is echoed in the New Testament, where Paul emphasizes not what Jesus receives from His enemies, but what He gives to His people. This shift in focus underscores the grace and mercy of Christ, who distributes His gifts to us. The sermon delves into the profound mystery of Jesus' ascension and His filling of all things. This concept is explored through the lens of His divine nature, which shares the attributes of immensity, ubiquity, and infinity with the Father and the Holy Spirit.
The sermon warns against the dangers of pantheism, which blurs the distinction between Creator and creation. Instead, it emphasizes that while God is present in all things, He is distinct from them. This presence of God in creation is a testament to His glory, yet humanity often fails to recognize it due to spiritual blindness. The sermon calls for an awakening to the pervasive glory of God in all aspects of creation.
Furthermore, it highlights Jesus' authority and sovereignty over all creation, not just because He is present in it, but because He is the Creator. Everything exists for Him, and this is the ultimate purpose of creation. The sermon concludes by pointing to the Sabbath as the goal of creation, symbolizing eternal rest in Christ. This cyclical pattern of work and rest points to our ultimate destiny in Him, emphasizing that our existence is for His glory.
### Key Takeaways
1. Christ's Ascension and Distribution of Gifts: The ascension of Jesus is not just about His victory but also about the gifts He bestows upon His people. Unlike the ancient practice where victors received tribute, Jesus, in His grace, distributes His blessings to us. This shift from receiving to giving highlights the merciful nature of Christ's reign. [02:16]
2. The Divine Presence in Creation: God's presence fills all of creation, yet He remains distinct from it. This principle of immensity and ubiquity means that while God is in everything, He is not everything. Recognizing this helps us avoid the error of pantheism and appreciate the true nature of God's omnipresence. [07:16]
3. Human Blindness to God's Glory: Despite the pervasive glory of God in creation, humanity often fails to see it due to spiritual blindness. This blindness is a willful act of hiding from God's majesty, which is evident in every part of creation. Awakening to this reality can transform our perception of the world around us. [11:13]
4. Jesus' Sovereignty Over Creation: Jesus not only fills all things but also rules over them with authority. His sovereignty is rooted in His role as the Creator, and everything exists for Him. This understanding calls us to recognize His lordship in every aspect of our lives and the world. [12:43]
5. Sabbath as the Goal of Creation: The ultimate purpose of creation is to enter into the Sabbath rest, symbolizing eternal rest in Christ. This cyclical pattern of work and rest points to our eternal destiny and the fullness of life in Christ. Understanding this helps us see our existence as part of God's grand design for His glory. [18:16]
### Youtube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[0:30] - Introduction to Psalm 68
[02:16] - Christ's Ascension and Distribution of Gifts
[04:05] - The Descent and Ascent of Jesus
[05:46] - Jesus' Overcoming the World
[07:16] - The Divine Presence in Creation
[09:44] - Avoiding Pantheism
[11:13] - Human Blindness to God's Glory
[12:43] - Jesus' Sovereignty Over Creation
[14:32] - Creation for Jesus
[16:00] - The Goal of Creation
[18:16] - Sabbath as the Goal of Creation
[20:22] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Psalm 68:16-18 - "Why do you look with hatred, O many-peaked mountain, at the mount that God desired for His abode? Yes, where the Lord will dwell forever. The chariots of God are twice ten thousand, thousands upon thousands; the Lord is among them; Sinai is now in the sanctuary. You ascended on high, leading a host of captives in your train and receiving gifts among men, even among the rebellious, that the Lord God may dwell there."
2. Ephesians 4:8-10 - "Therefore it says, 'When he ascended on high he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men.' (In saying, 'He ascended,' what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower regions, the earth? He who descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.)"
3. Colossians 1:15-16 - "He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Psalm 68, what is the significance of Mount Zion in relation to God's presence? ([02:16])
2. How does Paul reinterpret the imagery of receiving gifts in Psalm 68 in Ephesians 4:8-10? ([02:16])
3. What attributes of Jesus' divine nature are highlighted in the sermon when discussing His filling of all things? ([07:16])
4. How does the sermon describe humanity's response to the pervasive glory of God in creation? ([11:13])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean for Jesus to distribute gifts to His people rather than receive tribute from His enemies, and how does this reflect His merciful nature? ([02:16])
2. How does the concept of God's immensity and ubiquity help us understand His presence in creation without falling into pantheism? ([07:16])
3. In what ways does spiritual blindness prevent humanity from recognizing God's glory in creation, according to the sermon? ([11:13])
4. How does Jesus' role as Creator establish His sovereignty over all creation, and what implications does this have for our understanding of His authority? ([12:43])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt spiritually blind to God's glory in your surroundings. What steps can you take to become more aware of His presence in your daily life? ([11:13])
2. How can you actively recognize and celebrate the gifts that Jesus has distributed to you and others in your community? ([02:16])
3. In what ways can you avoid the error of pantheism while still appreciating God's presence in all aspects of creation? ([07:16])
4. How does understanding Jesus' sovereignty over all creation influence the way you approach challenges and decisions in your life? ([12:43])
5. The sermon emphasizes the Sabbath as a symbol of eternal rest in Christ. How can you incorporate the principle of Sabbath rest into your weekly routine to better align with God's design for your life? ([18:16])
6. Considering that everything exists for Jesus, how can you align your personal goals and actions with the purpose of glorifying Him? ([14:32])
7. How can you help others in your small group or community to awaken to the pervasive glory of God in creation? What practical steps can you take together to foster this awareness? ([11:13])
Devotional
Day 1: Christ's Ascension and Distribution of Gifts
The ascension of Jesus is not just about His victory but also about the gifts He bestows upon His people. Unlike the ancient practice where victors received tribute, Jesus, in His grace, distributes His blessings to us. This shift from receiving to giving highlights the merciful nature of Christ's reign. Jesus' ascension signifies His triumph over sin and death, and His position at the right hand of the Father. From this place of authority, He generously pours out spiritual gifts to His followers, equipping them for service and building up the body of Christ.
This act of giving is a profound demonstration of His love and grace. It contrasts sharply with the worldly notion of victory, where the conqueror demands tribute and subjugation. Instead, Jesus, having conquered sin and death, chooses to empower and bless His people. This perspective invites us to reflect on the nature of Christ's kingdom, which is characterized by selfless love and generosity. As recipients of His gifts, we are called to use them for His glory and the edification of others. [02:16]
Ephesians 4:7-8 (ESV): "But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ's gift. Therefore it says, 'When he ascended on high he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men.'"
Reflection: What spiritual gifts has Jesus given you, and how can you use them to serve others in your community today?
Day 2: The Divine Presence in Creation
God's presence fills all of creation, yet He remains distinct from it. This principle of immensity and ubiquity means that while God is in everything, He is not everything. Recognizing this helps us avoid the error of pantheism and appreciate the true nature of God's omnipresence. God's presence in creation is a testament to His glory and majesty, inviting us to see His hand in the world around us.
Understanding that God is present in all things but distinct from them helps us maintain a proper view of His transcendence and immanence. It prevents us from falling into the trap of pantheism, which blurs the line between Creator and creation. Instead, we are called to see the world as a reflection of God's glory, a canvas displaying His power and creativity. This awareness can deepen our worship and appreciation of God, as we recognize His presence in the beauty and complexity of the world He has made. [07:16]
Jeremiah 23:24 (ESV): "Can a man hide himself in secret places so that I cannot see him? declares the Lord. Do I not fill heaven and earth? declares the Lord."
Reflection: How can you cultivate a greater awareness of God's presence in your daily surroundings and activities today?
Day 3: Human Blindness to God's Glory
Despite the pervasive glory of God in creation, humanity often fails to see it due to spiritual blindness. This blindness is a willful act of hiding from God's majesty, which is evident in every part of creation. Awakening to this reality can transform our perception of the world around us. Spiritual blindness prevents us from seeing the truth of God's presence and His work in our lives and the world.
This blindness is not merely a lack of physical sight but a deeper, spiritual condition that affects our hearts and minds. It is often a result of sin, pride, and self-centeredness, which obscure our vision of God's glory. By seeking God's help to open our eyes, we can begin to see His hand in all things and respond with gratitude and worship. This awakening can lead to a transformed life, where we live in constant awareness of God's presence and His work in and through us. [11:13]
2 Corinthians 4:4 (ESV): "In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God."
Reflection: What are some areas in your life where you might be spiritually blind to God's glory? How can you ask God to open your eyes today?
Day 4: Jesus' Sovereignty Over Creation
Jesus not only fills all things but also rules over them with authority. His sovereignty is rooted in His role as the Creator, and everything exists for Him. This understanding calls us to recognize His lordship in every aspect of our lives and the world. Jesus' authority over creation is not just a matter of power but also of purpose. Everything was made by Him and for Him, and He sustains all things by His powerful word.
Recognizing Jesus' sovereignty means acknowledging His rightful place as Lord over every area of our lives. It calls us to submit to His authority and align our lives with His will. This submission is not a burden but a source of freedom and joy, as we live in harmony with the Creator's design. By embracing Jesus' lordship, we find our true purpose and fulfillment in Him. [12:43]
Colossians 1:16-17 (ESV): "For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together."
Reflection: In what specific areas of your life do you need to acknowledge Jesus' sovereignty and submit to His lordship today?
Day 5: Sabbath as the Goal of Creation
The ultimate purpose of creation is to enter into the Sabbath rest, symbolizing eternal rest in Christ. This cyclical pattern of work and rest points to our eternal destiny and the fullness of life in Christ. Understanding this helps us see our existence as part of God's grand design for His glory. The Sabbath rest is not just a physical cessation of work but a deeper, spiritual rest that we find in Christ.
This rest is a foretaste of the eternal rest we will enjoy in God's presence, free from the burdens and struggles of this world. It is a reminder that our ultimate purpose is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. By embracing the Sabbath rest, we align our lives with God's rhythm and find true peace and fulfillment in Him. This understanding transforms our view of work and rest, helping us to see both as part of God's good design for our lives. [18:16]
Hebrews 4:9-10 (ESV): "So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God, for whoever has entered God's rest has also rested from his works as God did from his."
Reflection: How can you intentionally set aside time to enter into God's rest and experience His peace today?
Quotes
1. "Paul emphasizes in the ascension of Jesus not what Jesus gets from His enemies, but what He gives to His people. There's no contradiction there. It's a different emphasis, because in this whole metaphor, this whole imagery of leading captives in captivity, that in the ancient world, when you captured your enemy, you received tribute from them. And you took that tribute then and distributed to your people, which is a wonderful motif we find in the New Testament, that all of the tribute that God gives to His people, that all of the tribute that God gives to His people, that Christ receives, He will distribute to us in His mercy and in His grace." [02:16] (50 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Be of good cheer, for I have overcome the world. Now we sometimes, in our distress, living in a society that becomes increasingly more hostile towards us, our prayer is, O Lord, may You prevail. And may You overcome. And may You overcome this hostile environment when You come back in glory. The overcoming of this world is not a future event. It's a past event. Jesus said, be of good cheer because someday I'm going to overcome the world. No. Be of good cheer because I have overcome the world." [05:46] (58 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "What in the world does Paul mean here when he says that Jesus ascended to fill all things? Well, the first thing we think about in His filling all things is that in His divine nature, He shares with the Father and with the Holy Spirit the principle of immensity, of ubiquity, of infinity, that there is no place in heaven and earth where God in His deity is not present, that God fills all things. First of all, with His being, nothing can be anywhere except as it is in the Word of God." [07:16] (75 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We must never, ever obliterate the distinction between the Creator and the storm. And the creature, yet nothing can exist unless it subsists in the very being of God and is filled by God. And touching His divine nature, there is no particle in this universe in which Jesus is not present. He fills it all. The clouds, the flowers, the animals, the stones, the buildings. The earth is the Lord and the fullness thereof. And the whole world is full of His glory." [09:44] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "This is our sin. That we are willfully put there so that we may cover our eyes and hide ourselves from His glory. Oh, I know sometimes we'll go and we'll look at a beautiful sunset or go to the Grand Canyon and say, oh, here we see a little mini portrait of the beauty of holiness and of God's glory. But it's not just in the sunset. It's in everything. The whole world is filled with His glory. And we walk through it and we don't see it. Not because He's hiding, but because we're hiding, hiding our eyes from the glory imparted into our Father's world and displayed by our Father's world." [11:13] (62 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "He rules over every rock and over every tree, not because simply He's in every rock and every tree, but principally because He made every rock and every tree. We see in the Scriptures that creation itself is the creation of God. Creation itself is a triune activity. But the principal actor of creation is the Son by whom and through whom all things are made. And now we see that Jesus not only fills everything, Jesus not only owns everything, Jesus not only rules over everything, but everything that is there is for Him." [12:43] (66 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "Why is there something rather than nothing? Why does this world exist? Why do you exist? For Jesus. That's our raison d'etre. That's our reason for being. That's why anything is, is for Him, that He may be all in all and share His glory with no man." [14:32] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "The goal of creation is Sabbath holiness, which means the goal of creation is resting in the fullness of Christ. Christ is the Alpha of creation. Christ is the Omega of creation. And the only reason you exist and that I exist is for Him, for to live is Christ." [18:16] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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