Understanding God’s Glorification Beyond Human Arrogance
Introduction: The Biblical Foundation
In 1 Chronicles 29:11, we read: “Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all.”
Linguistic Analysis: Unpacking the Hebrew Term
The Hebrew word for “exalted” here is נָשָׂא (nasa) [Strong’s H5365], which means to lift, bear up, carry, or exalt. This term conveys the idea of elevation or raising to a higher position, both literally and figuratively. In the context of God, it signifies His supreme authority and transcendent nature.
The Nature of Divine Self-Exaltation
God’s self-exaltation is not rooted in arrogance or pride, but in the reality of His supreme being and perfect nature. Unlike human self-exaltation, which often stems from insecurity or a desire for recognition, God’s self-exaltation is a revelation of His true nature and position in the universe. It is an expression of truth rather than a bid for attention or approval.
Jesus: The Perfect Model of Divine Exaltation
Jesus Christ, as the incarnate Son of God, provides the perfect example of how divine self-exaltation differs from human arrogance. Throughout His earthly ministry, Jesus consistently pointed to His Father’s glory while also affirming His own divine nature. His approach was not one of self-aggrandizement, but of revealing the truth about His identity and mission.
Consider John 17:5, where Jesus prays, “Now, Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was.” This statement demonstrates God glorifying Himself through the Son and that exaltation is not from self-promotion but a statement of fact.
Theological Implications of Divine Exaltation
The concept of God exalting Himself is intrinsically linked to the nature of His kingdom. As the sovereign ruler of all creation, God’s self-exaltation is a declaration of His rightful place and an invitation for His creation to recognize and respond to His authority.
This self-exaltation serves multiple purposes:
1. It reveals God’s character and attributes to His creation.
2. It establishes the proper order in the universe, with God at the center.
3. It provides a foundation for worship and devotion.
4. It points to the ultimate exaltation of Christ as King of kings.
Christological Fulfillment
The Old Testament concept of God’s self-exaltation finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Philippians 2:9-11 describes how God has “highly exalted” Jesus and given Him “the name that is above every name.” This exaltation is not for Christ’s personal glory alone, but “to the glory of God the Father”.
A Call to Worship and Understanding
God’s self-exaltation, far from being arrogant, is a necessary revelation of His nature and position. It establishes the foundation for proper relationship between Creator and creation, and finds its perfect expression in the person and work of Jesus Christ. As believers, understanding this concept should lead us to humble worship and a recognition of God’s supreme authority in our lives and in the universe.
Disciple-Maker’s Short Story
“The Dawn of Understanding”
The soft glow of a desk lamp illuminated the cramped dorm room, casting long shadows across the worn carpet. Pete’s eyes, still heavy with sleep, struggled to focus on the small print of his Bible. Across from him, Trevor sat cross-legged on his bed, his own Bible open on his lap, eager to get started.
“Remind me again why we’re doing this at 7 AM?” Pete grumbled, stifling a yawn.
Trevor’s lips curved into a patient smile. “Because, my friend, this is how we build a foundation. One verse, one chapter, one day at a time.”
Pete nodded reluctantly, turning his attention back to the text. They had been meeting like this for weeks now, Trevor guiding Pete through the unfamiliar terrain of daily devotionals. It was a new world for Pete, one he approached with equal parts curiosity and skepticism.
As they started their Old Testament reading, Trevor directed them to 1 Chronicles 29:11. Pete’s brow furrowed as he read aloud, his voice growing incredulous with each word:
“Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all.”
Pete’s head snapped up, eyes wide with disbelief. “Wait a minute. If God is the author of His Word, isn’t He talking about Himself here? That’s not very humble of God, is it?! I mean, isn’t He basically bragging here?”
Trevor leaned forward, his expression thoughtful. “I can see why you might think that, Pete. But there’s a crucial difference between divine self-exaltation and human arrogance.”
“How so?” Pete challenged, his tone a mixture of curiosity and skepticism.
Trevor took a deep breath, choosing his words carefully. “When we, as humans, exalt ourselves, it often comes from a place of insecurity or a need for recognition. But God’s self-exaltation is different. It’s a declaration of truth, an expression of His very nature.”
Pete’s brow furrowed. “I’m not sure I follow.”
“Think of it this way,” Trevor continued, his eyes alight with passion. “God isn’t trying to convince anyone of His greatness. He’s simply stating what is. It’s like the sun declaring its brightness – it’s not boasting, it’s just expressing its inherent nature.”
Pete leaned back, considering this. “But doesn’t that still seem… I don’t know, a bit much?”
Trevor smiled. “That’s where Jesus comes in. He showed us what true divine exaltation looks like. Remember John 17:5, where Jesus prays, “Now, Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was.” This statement demonstrates God glorifying Himself through the Son and that glorification is not from self-promotion but a statement of fact.
A look of realization dawned on Pete’s face. “So, it’s not about self-promotion…”
“Exactly,” Trevor nodded enthusiastically. “It’s about revealing truth and inviting us into a right relationship with our Creator. When God exalts Himself, He’s establishing the proper order of the universe, with Him at the center.”
Pete sat in silence for a moment, turning this new perspective over in his mind. “I never thought about it that way before,” he admitted quietly.
“That’s why we do this, Pete. Every morning, we’re not just reading words on a page. We’re uncovering truths that can transform how we see God, ourselves, and the world around us.”
As the first rays of sunlight began to filter through the dusty dorm room window, Pete felt something shift within him. The words he had read, once a source of confusion, now sparked a desire to understand more, to dig deeper.
“You know,” Pete said, a new determination in his voice, “I think I’m starting to get why this morning routine matters. It’s not just about checking a box or following a rule. It’s about… becoming more like Jesus, isn’t it? Understanding His heart, His perspective.”
Trevor’s face lit up with a broad smile. “Now you’re getting it, Pete. That’s exactly what this is all about.”
As they closed their Bibles and prepared for the day ahead, Pete felt a sense of anticipation he hadn’t experienced before. The journey of understanding God was just beginning, and for the first time, he found himself eager to see where this new found relationship might lead.
ToBeLikeJesus 