Morning Meditation: "In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son,  whom He appointed heir of all things, and through whom He made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of His being, sustaining all things by His powerful word. After He had provided purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven." - Hebrews 1:1-3

The right hand of God displays awesome deeds, provides eternal pleasures, serves as Sustainer and rises up as Protector (Psalm 16:11; 18:35; 45:4; 139:10). His right hand holds all things, creates all things, and works salvation for mankind. The compassionate, tender, loving hand of God overflows with infinite goodness, mercy and grace. His hand works tirelessly for the good of man and for His own glory, all the time. In the faithful and trustworthy hand of God man had everything he could ever want or desire, including the greatest gift of all - sweet communion and loving fellowship with the Heavenly Father. "Yet I am always with You; You hold me by my right hand" (Psalm 74:23).   

"The LORD says to my Lord:

"Sit at My right hand until I make Your enemies

a footstool for Your feet."

The LORD will extend Your mighty scepter from Zion;

You will rule in the midst of Your enemies.

Your troops will be willing on Your day of battle.

Arrayed in holy majesty,

from the womb of the dawn

You will receive the dew of Your youth.

The LORD has sworn and will not change His mind:

"You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek."

(Psalm 110:1-4)

Afternoon Devotion: "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." - Hebrews 12:2 

We have seen over the past week God display His holy image in His Son as Creator, Prophet, Priest, and now King. With His work of redemption now complete, God has exalted Him to the highest position of authority because He is God; and He is actively ruling with God as Lord over all (Mark 16:19). In the earthly tabernacle the priests stood up because their work was never complete, but our High Priest sat down because He completed His atoning work on the cross. "We do have such a high priest, who sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven, and who serves in the sanctuary, the true tabernacle set up by the Lord, not by man" (Hebrews 8:1-2). Up to this point everything Jesus has shown us about the image and nature of God has been representing God to us. With His redemptive work complete, and His ongoing work as High Priest in the sanctuary in heaven, Jesus is now representing us to God the Father. "Christ Jesus who died - more than that, who was raised to life - is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us" (Romans 8:34).

Jesus could only represent mankind before God by becoming one with us; and now He lives to make intercession for us. "...because Jesus lives forever, He has a permanent priesthood. Therefore He is able to save completely those who come to God through Him, because He always lives to intercede for them" (Hebrews 7:24-25). Praise God that we are never without a priestly representative in heaven. Our God lives and reigns and is seated on the throne! Praise Him for His holy work of intercession on the cross, and for His continued work of intercession before the throne. May we follow His holy example.

"In love a throne will be established;

in faithfulness a man will sit on it -

one from the house of David -

one who in judging seeks justice

and speeds the cause of righteousness."

(Isaiah 16:5)