September 23, 2004

THE LORD FROM HEAVEN

"The first man was of the earth, made of dust; the second Man is the Lord from heaven" (1 Corinthians 15:47, NKJV).

To highlight the importance of Christ's mission on earth, Paul identified Him as the "Lord from heaven."

The "Lord from heaven" came down from His eternal abode and took up temporary residence on earth as a man in order to save the race from sin and death (see John 1:14). Christ Himself declared that He was the Bread of God who came down from heaven to give His life for the world (see John 6:33). His coming down as the Lord from heaven gives special meaning to His condescension and voluntary humiliation. Herbert Lockyer wrote, "He [Jesus] carried with Him the aroma of His eternal abode, and when near Him, people felt themselves near heaven. He ever lived in the atmosphere of heaven (John 3:13)."--All The Divine Names and Titles in the Bible, p. 196.

After successfully completing His mission on earth the Lord from heaven returned victoriously to His heavenly abode. There He was officially installed at the right hand of the Majesty on high. When He came down as the Lord from heaven, Jesus did so to suffer and die for a lost race. When He ascended back to glory, it was as the authentic representative of a redeemed race (see Hebrews 9:24). But there is still more good news. The Lord from heaven Himself has promised, "I will come again and receive you to Myself" (John 14:3, NKJV). When Jesus returns the second time, it will be as the Lord of glory. "As Isaiah beholds the Lord of glory descending from heaven, with all the holy angels, to gather the remnant church from among the nations of earth, he hears the waiting ones unite in the exultant cry, 'Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him,.. we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation.' " Review and Herald, July 1, 1915.

My Prayer Today: Lord, I am thrilled by the good news that You are coming back for me. Make it soon, Lord! Amen.